Teammate

I can't stop looking at this photo. And it's not just because of her knees (those knees tho) or her cute ears (forward!).
It's because I can't stop marveling at the progress we've made at Westhaven Farm since joining at the end of May 2015. One year!
I remember my first lesson with Diane- I was running late due to Memorial weekend traffic and I was so nervous I kept calling her ma'am.

Ellie and I were not getting along. She was busy doing a hop step that I mistook for lameness- which magically went away when Ali rode. I couldn't make it over a crossrail without dissolving into a bundle of nerves- I would often occasionally cry tears of frustration and fear.

Yet here we are a year later zooming around courses, and in the case of the below, jumping a three stride line oxer first. Feeling confident, braver, and strong. I trust Ellie, and I trust Diane and Ali to push me to meet my ability, despite my hesitance.

And I'm just really proud, because this picture looks like a horse and rider team.

Goal achieved!