Back on Track ‘Horse Therapy’: Belt & Bird

Not just a horse, Bird was also a teacher.

I grew up on a horse. I was riding before I could walk, and that is not an exaggeration at all. I have had many teachers that have taught me more than just riding and have brought me through hard times. Horses have taught me so much and I owe a lot to them.

In middle school I found myself fighting a lot and struggling to fit in, just like most young people. At this time, I was training my first barrel horse. Before this, I rode dressage and other English sports. I decided to become a barrel racer later and Bird helped me. I trained her from scratch and we helped each other. She won me my first buckles and checks and helped me find my place. She helped me learn dedication and patience, something I really needed. I had to learn that life includes change and that if you want to succeed you have to be willing to keep learning.

Bird was my first real teacher. She has now become the teacher for two other young girls as there first horse. I am honored to still have her in my barn and helping her new mommy learn the same lessons that Bird taught me.

Here at Horse Nation, we believe that the best therapists are our own horses. We love sharing the stories of special equines and the lessons horses have taught us — email yours to [email protected] to be featured in an upcoming edition of Back on Track “Horse Therapy.” Go Back on Track, and Go Riding!