This past Monday I had my first jumping experience. Yeah, I know you're looking at the picture and thinking, "What jump? That fence is like 1 foot tall!", and well friend, you are right. But you have to start somewhere, and admittedly, it was a little scary the first time. I went 3 or 4 times so I could at least do it decently.

I've also been riding a lot more this week. By "a lot more", I actually mean that I've ridden 5 times as opposed to my usual once a week! My legs are screaming in pain… I mean shouting for joy… from all the hard work this week. It's actually not so bad. I am a little sore, but it is well worth it. I've had some time on my own to just practice stretching my leg down the way it needs to be and getting in control of the trot. At my lesson yesterday, my instructor was so pleased with my progress.

I don't think I have ever worked so physically hard to get good at something. I am still far from being good at riding, but I feel great everytime I go because I put all my heart and all my energy into it to do my best. This experience is teaching me that I can reach any dream and any goal I have, as long as I put myself to the test and grab the opportunities I get to learn and practice.

And you can't go wrong hanging out with horses every day of the week, either!