Fall

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Lovely ladies! Heather with Katie, her fourteen year-old student from Chicago who took a little two-week vacation here in Houston to ride and help Heather, and Ella of course who learned so much from watching Katie ride.  Katie helped school Remi quite a lot.

Remi and Ella hard at work.

 She loves this little tough guy, he's a power pack, well trained pony.

 Cooling off a very little three-year-old student of Heather's.

Loving the filly:

A new friend, Mr. Scottish.

 Riding at dusk, last time before Katie left. The great news is that they get to ride and hang out together in the ring as Katie might be able to visit much more often, at least during her school breaks.

 She had an amazing ride that evening:

 One more, kind of blurry but still beautiful. Next time I really need to try to remember to bring my camera.

Wearing the Del Lago logo shirt which she got as a gift from Heather and Ramon.

Her and Remi again. Remi is making great progress with his jumps. This is my favorite picture of them so far:

How about this one?

Grilling party at barn after riding:

 Getting washed by the barn groom. Remi is truly so happy at Del Lago, so calm and peaceful.

Taking Scottish out for a ride.

Taking a break before riding Samson:

  but something happened last night... something a little rider or her parents are never thrilled to see happen.... she fell off of Samson. There weren't tears, just some good TLC talk between her and Heather, and later on with momma and daddy. She got right back in the saddle. This little letter below summarizes the million thoughts, emotions, and impressions that poured over me as I watched from a few feet away and pondered late into the night.

Dearest Ella:

You only fell off tonight so that you can show us all how strong and determined to get back up you truly are. 

You only fell off tonight to experience maybe the whole spectrum of emotions, from amazingly wonderful to downright scary, that make up an athlete's world.

You only fell off tonight to realize how much you love riding, as you got up, dusted yourself off, and got back in the saddle. That is the mark of a champion not only in the equestrian arena but in life. I hope you will remember this tiny experience in your darker times when you will need to get up and keep going. 

We love you and are so proud of you! You're doing some amazing things and Heaven is smiling upon you.

... the way you play your Fugue, Na Todce, and March.

... the way you play your scales.

... the way you draw.

... the way you figure out your multiplication table.

... the way you so gracefully yet strongly, handle a 800 + lbs pony.

... the way you make connections with the world around you, and understand it, and love it, and live in it.

... the way you take hardship.

... the way YOU ARE.

Love, 
Mommy and Daddy

And although this summer was pretty much all about horses/ponies/riding, Ella did get to do some other things.

She won a reading award from the library for reading a good 20 + books in a couple of weeks.
(Here with her trophy and certificate.)

Engrossed in reading a book about horses (of course!)

The batch we just picked up. I'm excited about these and she is too.

She's doing a really good job with her ABRSM (Royal Music Academy) exam preparation too.

Come Fall this little girl will be mighty busy aside from school, she's got a big birthday coming up --turning eight, a baptism, a couple of exams, a couple of horse shows, and who knows what else?!!! Loving life with its ups and downs. I wouldn't have it any other way. I am happy with our lot and hope to always remember to stay grateful, give more and love more.

Otherwise, we're enjoying our new home, working hard, getting ready for a business trip to good old Omaha, and turning 27! Ha-ha, yes I wish!