An amazing weekend was spent learning about SO many things!!! I was lucky enough to be invited to Charlottetown, PEI Canada to help my fellow Canadians with their journey of horsemanship.
I was simply amazed at the folks that came to ride. With some 20 riders mixed from young to “seasoned,” it was a group of women that truly enjoyed each other’s company, cheering and more giggling and laughter happened in 2 Days than I think has ever happened at a clinic.
The “island” folks were full of life and vibrancy that I am not sure who learned more, me or them. Each morning I was greeted by truly friendly and caring people that not only wanted the best for themselves but wanted the whole “clan” to have success.
I have a deeper appreciation for the world community and can say they are a group of moms in that end of the world that can teach us all about caring and kindness.
I arrived any the island airport bright and early at 1:30 a.m. to be greeted by arena owner Ellen Jones and her dear friend Lisanne, whom I had never met before. The funny thing was it was like seeing an old friend, warm and welcoming. It took all doubt in my mind what the weekend would be like.
It truly was a working vacation! I can’t even find the words to express the excitement, dedication and positivity that came to this clinic, from the fresh-off-the-boat lobster, the herd of “stall rats” that giggled and giggled and giggled and giggled (the kids that work and ride at the center), to the Scottish husband in his traditional kilt parking the cars and trailers, to “mom and dad” for hosting a wonderful meal at their house for all the participants, and the husband that joined the clinic after not working a horse for some 13 years. Maybe it was the clinic mom that chased me around worrying if I had water or not, maybe it was the Scottish “terms” I learned from a young lady in the clinic riding because it was her birthday gift!
Could have been the awesome roommate I had that over flowed with so much try for her horse, not to forget it could have been the young woman who created the “HJC” facility and was soooo excited she didn’t know which way to turn. Might have been the little girl that was in a car accident and was unable to ride anymore but wanted to work her horse and recover from many fears.
A mother and daughter team also stands vibrantly in my mind. They were so open to learning that they each went into a class with the horse to learn how to better understand and do good by the horse. Each and every person I met this weekend gave me a great lesson in humanity and for that I am forever thankful.
I hope I never stop learning… I hope I can inspire you to find your inner cowgirl and reach to the stars like all these folks this weekend showed me!
Happy trails cowgirls!!!