06/01/2026
I met Amy & Lu probably a decade ago, when I covered a show in NKY. I didn't start coming down to KCA until last fall. The first time she met my kiddo, I brought her with me to a barrel show, and she was on crutches. Amy let her pal around with her for the day, and let her come along to help feed. I get a text a little later, saying please dont kill me, and I giggled. I knew my kiddo had gotten on a horse. She sent me a couple videos of her ponying on Lu. Amy said she did a great job, listened, and did very well with her crash course instructions.
Well, they've been buddies ever since. The kiddo earned the nickname, Small Child, and now Amy has been upgraded to Aunt Amy.
Fast forward about 6 months, and somehow we've become like family. I learn something new every time we come down, and I see the confidence Small Child has gained under Amy. She learns animal husbandry, body language, health and safety, along with the riding. She's had to put in the work from start to finish in order to do the "fun things", and I wouldn't have it any other way. Amy teaches in a way that is empowering, and fun, while also making sure we're doing things correctly for the comfort of the horse, and safety of the rider.
What I love most about Amy, is that she is the same way during her shows with others, as she is with mine, in private. She's always giving encouragement, allowing a re-do for training and schooling, and cheers on everyone. (You can see her cheering in a few of these pictures) Its about community over competition. Its about bringing the FUN into riding.
We have found that a few of the boarders we have met, also have the same attitude. They've also taken Small Child in as one of the crew, and allow her to tag along in the barn or during chores. I am so thankful for this very tiny, family like, group of good humans (and ponies) for letting us in. SC has gotten on a Lu a few times here and there for a little relaxed riding, but the difference in a few months ago is noticeable to me.
We had a GREAT day yesterday!! SC & Lu had an official lesson on Monday (the first picture), and then showed on Saturday. While this duo wasn't in it to win a ribbon, they did manage two 3rds, and two 6ths, even in an Open class!!! SC has looked at the pictures and noticed a few things she needs to work on going forward, and also saw the improvement from a few months ago too!
I could not be more proud of them both! I cannot thank Amy enough for graciously allowing SC to use Lu, and give her lessons. Thank you for entrusting your child, to take care of my child, and vice versa. Thank you to Lucy, for allowing SC to show with you. Especially since you just wanted to sleep any chance you got. Thank you to Rachael & Paizley for their encouragement! Thank you to RED BARN TACK for saving the day with a show shirt and a belt! My momma heart is so full, that I may have cried a bit in the arena. Even though she stole my tack, Donkey looks great in purple! :-D
I will start loading the gallery tomorrow, so be on the look out for a post coming soon. We've literally slept all day, and only woke up long enough to get some dinner and back to bed. Have a great week everyone!
*This is an automated post from RCP*
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