Saddle - Play - Love

My oh my! My sweet Belle, you had one amazing week at horseback riding camp! You came home Monday afternoon and ever since then...your horse "Sammy" has been your main subject matter. 24/7! And I couldn't be more happy.
I would have loved to have grown up around those magnificent creatures. And while you may not necessarily grow up around them, if you continue to love them this much, I want you to be able to be around them. Especially considering the way you acted around them and regarding them.

I woke you up Friday morning and the very first thing you said - eyes still closed - "I've gotta get to the stable and brush Sammy like crazy so she's pretty for the show."

:::tears well up in eyes:::

You did a great job, of course, riding during the show.

And if it was possible, I was even more proud after you rode when you went to your instructor and asked if YOU could please desaddle Sammy. And you did it perfectly. It told me you didn't want to just ride and play with Sammy, you wanted to take care of her. I was so incredibly proud of you.

You are going to have various passions in your lifetime and the fact you not only felt such love and fondness for this horse, but also the responsibility that comes with taking care of her made my heart grow three sizes!

Plenty of people develop interests in their life, but don't do what is required to make them grow. Maintaining them. Nurturing them. The "not so fun" stuff, but nonetheless the stuff it takes. You did that this past week and I know I've already said it, but I've gotta say it again...I'm so proud of you. And happy for you.

Way to go, my Belle. You are already growing into a compassionate person who I greatly look forward to watching become an even more amazing woman.

XOXOXO,

Mommy