By April D. Ray

The dictionary defines progress as a movement toward a goal or higher stage. When I look at the two pictures taken about six months apart, I see the fruits of my horse’s and my labour. I see a more mature horse who is developing a topline and also now able to move with some self-carriage in a proper shape. Sure my left wrist is still going rogue, and my shoulders could be back over my hips where they belong, but the difference in my horse is astonishing. 

Left: January 2017 Right: August 2017

Sometimes you have to look back to appreciate how far you've come. When you're in it for the long haul, it's easy to get bogged down in the daily struggles and forget about the significant triumphs. To be honest, it wasn't that long ago I was a little terrified of taking my horse out of the barn. Now we are starting to not only venture out of the barn and indoor ring but also off the property too. Just because you still have a long way to go doesn't mean you haven't come so very far already.

"Without a struggle, there can be no progress." ~Frederick Douglass

Main photo: Kristina McKinnon. April D. Ray and Fire