When you’re 6, they tell you to count your crayons and learn your ABC’s so you can become a big kid and grow up to be anything you want to be. When your 12, they tell you to sit at your desk quietly and not pass notes about your classmates so that you can learn proper manners to use when you grow up…. to be anything you want to be. When your 16, they tell you to be to be a good kid, do your homework, and stay in school so you can get graduate, get in to college, and learn to be anything… anything you want to be. Then, when you’re 18, they say: “Ok, you’re grown up. Now go. Be what you want to be.”
And within the walls of a schoolhouse, that’s all well and good. But the greatest lessons of my life were learned with hay in my hair, mud on my boots and stirrups beneath my feet. Yes ladies and gentlemen, that’s right…everything I ever needed to know I learned from Pony Club.
I learned that almost any dilemma can be remedied with duct tape and baling twine, and that double snaps – not diamonds – are a girls best friend. I learned that at the end of the day it doesn’t matter how glossy your hair is, how shimmery your eyes are, or whether your jeans are in the latest style. What matters is how many miles you walked, how much you laughed, and how sure you are that you tried your best. I’ve learned the value of working towards a goal, and the rewards that come through the work, pain, and sweat required to reach it. It’s taught me to carefully plan for action, and then to run at any obstacle at full speed with confidence that my knowledge, preparation, and skill will allow me to overcome it. I’ve learned that consistent preparation and dedication are key elements to success. I’ve learned that the ability to speak confidently and clearly is a great mark of maturity and knowledge, whether it be in a rating, a career or a conversation. I learned that passing on knowledge to the next generation is the greatest thing we can do for the future. I’ve learned that even when you are tired, hungry, and exhausted, you always make those who depend on you your top priority, and you fill that water bucket before grabbing that water bottle. I’ve learned what when the chips are down, safety comes first and points don’t matter. With horses, I’ve learned to care for and honor the life of another living being, paying special attention to the treatment of the very young and the very old. But most of all, I have learned that respect is the greatest gift you can give to anyone, whether horse or human.
So I’ve counted my crayons. I’ve stopped passing notes. I stayed in school. But everything I ever really needed to know I learned from Pony Club, which has made all the difference as I discover who I want to become.
