Gees! What a ride!

Rainfall ❤️

Rainfall was my first horse… or so I was led to believe at that time…

She arrived unbroken, wild, and just a little bit crazy. But she was mine, and from the very first day – I loved her. All I wanted was to spend every waking hour with her.

In the beginning, other people rode her because I was apparently “too small.” 🙄🙄🙄… That didn’t last long though. Within a few months, you couldn’t have pried me off her!

We had grazing by the lake, and that meant more adventures.

We rode all day—along the lake, through town, and anywhere else we felt like going. There was no fear, no worry, just the freedom of riding wherever our hearts took us.

I spent countless hours brushing her, running with her, swimming together, and jumping anything that looked even remotely fun.

“That looks like a good jump… let’s do it!”

We doubled with friends, raced around, and even tied a rope to the saddle to tow each other in an old pram we’d converted into a cart. It had absolutely no suspension, so every bump rattled your brain. Looking back, it’s a miracle we all survived!

After a few years, some friends suggested I join Pony Club. That was the moment everything changed. My love of learning and my competitive streak really began to shine.

I worked incredibly hard to turn my wild, fun-loving pony into a champion.

Winning a wide ribbon became my dream. Every day I trained—circles, figure eights, transitions, flying changes, over and over again. Alongside school, sports, homework, chores, I worked as well, determined to support my dream.

I cleaned my Nan’s house and saved every dollar I earned so I could buy a proper saddle. My old one was ripped, worn out, and definitely not Pony Club standard. I was frowned upon for this and never did any good in turn out classes lol!

The day I finally bought my new saddle package was one of the happiest days I can remember.

For the first time, I felt like I belonged. I was just like everyone else. (Still didn’t do any good in turn out 🙄)

Around the same time, I began helping long-time family friends with their horses. It gave me another escape and introduced me to some truly incredible people.

One special person took me under her wing and became a huge part of my Pony Club journey.

I will always be grateful for the kindness, patience, and generosity they showed me. They let me tag along, taught me so much, and gave both Rainfall and me opportunities we never would have had on our own. They took us places I could only have dreamed of, and their guidance, encouragement, and belief in me helped shape not only the rider I became, but the person I am today.