Bitten, kicked, and trampled three years ago. She had no permanent scars, but her ego was bruised and her fear was controlling her ability to enjoy her favorite activity. 

A month ago, I took her out to my childhood barn, a kid-friendly and horsemanship barn, in search of confidence. Before her first lesson, I told her that we would go week-to-week. We would rate her confidence on a 1-10 scale. If she wanted to stop the lessons or if her comfort level was below 5, she could. But, this was her final opportunity to “earn her stirrups.” 

The first three lessons went well; her confidence level was around 7-8.  She was still afraid to pick her horse’s hooves. But, she had one lesson left and lots of determination. 

Here she is beaming after her last lesson. She earned her stirrups! 

  

She untacked Margo in record time. A few minutes later, she was helping a friend groom her pony. I peaked into the stall and congratulated them both. She struggled a couple times getting Tony’s hoof up. “It’s okay if you can’t get it, B. I’ve loved watching you have fun. You’ll get that hoof up sometime. I believe in you.” 

I turned around to walk back to the car. My momtuition told me to turn backaround. And, I caught her:
  
SHE DID IT!!!! Tony pony’s hoof is up! 

On our way home, I asked her how she did it. “You believed in me, Mom, and I knew I could.”

Thatwaseasy!

I think I will use those words more often.