The Secret Life of McKenna: Hi mom! You’re the best

Junior blogger McKenna Oxenden can fly higher than an eagle, but her  mom is the wind beneath her wings.

From McKenna:

I know everybody says they have the best mom in the world but I’m pretty sure they’ve never met mine.

Eleven years ago, I somehow managed to get involved with these amazing animals despite the fact my mother was perhaps slightly horrified that my version of fun was wanting to play with a thousand-pound animal. But guess what? She went with it: “Whatever makes you happy.”

As I began to ride more and more and I knew that this was what I wanted to do, she never once told me no–more so questioned why the hell do you want to do this?! But in a loving way and most of all, very supportive.

She’s gone from not really being a huge horse fan to loving going to the barn and watching cross country and perhaps maybe the most important, being my personal groom and extremely helpful with barn chores 😉

Actually though, my mom is always there for me no matter what. She’s at every show, every lesson, and perhaps most importantly, is always wearing a smile no matter what happens. Whenever I need somebody to lean on because of a bad day or somebody to celebrate with I can always count on her.

Whenever there is a doubt in my mind that I can’t accomplish something or I’m not good enough I always have somebody who reminds me that I can do it.

My mom doesn’t just get along with the sport, she’s learned to eat, breathe, and sleep it like me. She’s learned why I love it and learned to love it herself. I don’t know many other parents that can get as excited as I do when our favorite riders cross the finish line.

And anybody that can tolerate living with me not riding for 5 months is amazing!

No matter what ever happens to me, I can count on one person to make everything seem okay. I love you mom!

About the Author

McKenna Oxenden is a 16-year-old junior in high school, hailing from Columbia, MD. McKenna is a training level event rider and is currently campaigning the 15.1 Trakhener Cross, “Gossip Girl” a.k.a. Gigi and previously competed 13.2 pony superstar, Dorito Cooler Ranch, through training level. She has worked for CCI4* event rider, Emily Beshear and currently trains with Courtney Sendak of Defying Gravity Eventing. She is also an active ambassador to JustWorld International. When McKenna isn’t busy writing or riding, she is taking photographs and playing in Photoshop. You can see some of her work by liking her Facebook page (Mckenna Erinn Photography).