Margot's love of horses shows no signs of abating. It's hard to believe that she only started horseback riding a couple of years ago after we cast around for a new extra-curricular activity after trying a few others. And now look at her!
Recently, she competed in her first ever equestrian competition at her new stables, Maplewood Equestrian Centre*. She was nervous, but determined, to do well.
I wasn't quite sure how she would fare, but ever since the spring, when she rocket-powered her abilities with a month of intense lessons, I've been reasonably confident that she can hold her own.
And boy did she ever! She was in two different horseback events at the intermediate-one level: dressage (an event where you have to demonstrate the control of the horse in a stylish way) and "Hunter" (a form of jumping) and won the "Reserve Champion" award, which is 2nd place! In getting 2nd place she actually won two individual events, which made her day.
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| The next Charlotte Dujardin |
I must admit, seeing her happy surprised smile when she won those two individual events put me in a great mood. There's few things better than seeing your child succeed in something they enjoy. What I loved most was that she was gracious and kind to the other competitors. There was one girl who wasn't having the best day and Margot was grateful that in one event that girl beat her as it would cheer the other girl up.
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| Take a bow, my girl! |
Horseback riding is definitely bringing out some nice qualities in Margot:
- patience, to work with animals,
- discipline, to keep working to improve herself; and
- confidence, to deal with adversity (her horse in the dressage event bucked twice - it was quite scary!)
No matter how far she goes with all this, I know she is making wonderful memories. I'm so happy to be able just to be along for the ride.
So impressive, id be afraid to get on a horse in the first place. what a great love to encourage
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