Riding Lessons

And Life Lessons

Being a mom is not easy. Being a mom of a sixteen year old daughter is even harder. But we know this.

Sometimes you just have to lay down the law. And make them miserable. It’s not fun, but it must be done. My daughter and I are going through something right now. I have expectations, and I think she thought I would let certain things slide. But, as she is learning this week, that is not the case. She has a lot things in her life to be thankful for, but some of those things need to be earned. Life Lesson Number One.

So her car is gone for a week, and I am driving her around. Which, I might add, is also a punishment for me. We had a pretty explosive conversation this afternoon (I yelled, she cried), after which I drove her to the barn for her riding lesson. We sat in the Jeep for a few minutes, we hugged and I told her I loved her. She wiped her tears and said “I just want to go see my horse.” 

As I sit here writing this I am also watching her ride. Her trainer is actually not here, she had to take one of the dogs to the vet. But my girl saddled up her lesson horse, jumped in the ring and is giving herself a little riding lesson. I can tell by the look on her face that she is already feeling better. This is her happy place. Riding and controlling a 1000 pound animal can do wonders for the soul. Well, so I am told.

I really can’t complain. As far as 16 year old girls go, she is pretty good. I truly think part of the reason she is so good is that barn, and her horse.  Five summers ago, we signed her up for a 3 day riding camp and she fell in love. With riding and with the horses. I need to thank her trainer for that. Not only for teaching her to ride, but also for sharing her passion with my daughter. Sam began with one riding lesson a week, which quickly turned into two. Then she got her own horse, so it turned into three. I would sit in the viewing room and watch her lessons, either freezing or roasting, depending on the season. And leave there smelling like the barn. It may sound silly, but I enjoyed watching her as much as she enjoyed riding. Me and the other moms used to joke about having a reality show, “Barn Moms.” (I still think that’s a good idea.)

In June, she got her license and a job. Between that and settling into a new school, she hasn’t been able to get there as often. She still spends most of her Saturdays at the barn, riding and hanging out with her “barn sisters.” I haven’t been able to get there either, since she now drives herself. But sitting here watching her today, I remember. I’m going to be sure she gets back there, to her happy place. It’s good for her.  The barn has none of the typical pressures our kids face today. Just horses, riding lessons and maybe a few life lessons. 

(I’ve had enough of the life lessons, maybe it’s time for ME to start taking riding lessons.)