Moving On...

With each lesson, my core strength, balance, and stamina improved. The changes I saw within my physical ability were remarkable: I could now sit straight in the saddle without the fear of flopping to the side; I learned how to post, which strengthened my leg muscles until eventually I was able to take a few steps unassisted (something I was told by my doctors would never happen and something which I had begun to accept would never be possible). The Lord knew the perfect starter horse for me when he brought Annabelle into my life, and I will always have a special place in my heart for this sweet mare. She gave me the strength and courage to do things I never dreamed attainable. She allowed me to see things through the eyes of an able bodied person. When I sat in the saddle on top of her and felt her legs carry me forward, for the first time I really knew the power of movement.

As time went by, my relationship with Annabelle continued to blossom. We shared many a trail ride and many oatmeal creme pies together. However, like everything thing in life, things change, and as my riding experience grew, my time with Annabelle was coming to an end. She was slow and steady, she was cautious and mindful, but she had no desire to increase her pace or put a little pep into her step. I longed for a little more energy and a challenge that would motivate me to be the best rider I could be.  As difficult a decision as it was, I knew it was only fair to both of us that I move on to a different horse.

When I first met Jett, I had mixed emotions: excitement for all the new things he would teach me, as well as a little apprehension about getting used to his different gaits; but I was ready for the challenge and wasn't going to let a little fear stand in my way. Although he was much older than Annabelle, he had a younger spirit and liked to move. He was a little faster, easily motivated, and more experienced ….everything I was looking for.  We bonded quickly and became so in tune with each other that riding him became second nature and he was all I thought about.

 I had promised Annabelle that even though I was moving on, she would never be forgotten. We would still have our special time together—and our occasional oatmeal creme pie--but that promise seemed to quickly fade. I had become so wrapped up in my new companion and in advancing my riding that I completely put Annabelle aside. Something better had come along, and she was no longer needed. It was then  I realized that I wasn't all that different from the friends who treated me this same way. I was shocked at myself that I was capable of treating a friendship as if it were disposable and easily replaceable. In my excitement each day to get to Jett, I simply ignored Annabelle. I had not even taken the time to simply rub her nose or give her a quick kiss as I was walking by her pasture.

It’s funny how the Lord reveals things, how even in the moments of our weaknesses and selfish desires, we are taught the importance of love, compassion, and complete acceptance. He used Annabelle to teach me so much more than just how to ride. He used her to teach me not only how to love, but also how to forgive.