Riders Write

“WhoA Gracie good girl. Courtney, you might….”

I think that I might want to Start from the Begging. It started on a hot SPring DAY and I Just got Back from a tirering DAY of fcat. But there was a 3 MORE DAYS. My BODY was tired and I wanted to give UP. But my mom said “Don’t Give UP Just Yet you have HorseBack.”

I said “What the Hay. What counld it hurt The world!

I live for rideing. I have Been rideing sinice I was 5. My Horse’s name is grace (A Paint Pony). She is Very SaSSY for the mare of her herD. So I got In the car and then I was on mY waY. I fell asleep on the way. My Grandfather said “Courtney Courtney we are here”! I got UP to see the Biggest Horse. His name is Sterling. He is super Big. When we ParkeD I fast walk to Grace. Cause I DiDn’t want to scare her. I Put on her SaDDle on and all of the other gear. Just not her heaD Peace. At first She was in a BaD Mood but I was not going to give UP. Gracie really trotted well and smooth. I haD such a fun time. I stoPed her in front of Mrs. Sam and she gave me a few Ponters. She saiD to Post and trot all toghther and geuss what I DiD. AnD I DiD so good tht I got to trot over the Hill in the middle of the area. So one lesson that I learned is not to let my Horse Graze During a lesson. ! (: <3<

My Horse Gracie
by Courtney Adams

 Courtney

SMART RiderJanet, these words are from my heart and deepest love for SMART. I consider myself honored to be a member of your organization. I love you, the rest of the staff, and especially our horses. I consider all of you my extended family. I love all of our horses, especially the quartet I mention in my SMART Home on the Range, Evie, Carly, Sterling and Punkin Pie. Plus, I love having my parents involved in the organization, and have formed the warmest friendships with everyone else I've met.

Not only did Sam drive Sterling up beside our car so I could say goodbye to him yesterday, but a few weeks ago, an even more special moment took place between us.

Let me explain about this. I met up with Sterling, at the gate of course, and talked to him so kindly. I hugged him, kissed him, and told him that I had posted his photo on Facebook. While I was talking with Sterling, I felt so close to him, as if I had known him for years. The next special thing that took place between us was when I initially stepped away from Sterling. He gently kicked the gate in front of himself, as if to call me back. Of course I loved this, and responded immediately. I went back to him, talked to him a little while longer. I said goodbye to him and left the ranch.

I love Evie, Carly and all the other horses at SMART, but Sterling is the one who I love the most. My heart just goes out to him, and I love him very dearly indeed.

Love Edward William Balen :-)

What I like about SMART is the fact that we get to do equation in the arena. Then we get to ride as rockin and ride girls all together me and my friends . We get to be unhooked but our leaders stay close by our horses head. We get to ride trail in the trail arena and we get to ride in the big fields like real professionals. I love all the volunteers at SMART.

Becky Jaffer		 Becky

Nicki and PJSMART is more then a place to learn how to horseback ride.

SMART is making new friends. It is taking lessons on Thursday night with the “Girls Rock & Ride.” All seven of us really enjoy the hour a week we spend together.

SMART is cool instructors like Mrs. Gail, Mrs. Sam, & Mrs. Susan who really care about us & want us to shine.

SMART is the horses in the stable. PJ is my favorite & I love Magic & Blondie too. PJ has been helping me to be a better rider for years. He helps me not to be nervous because I know he is gentle & safe.

SMART is Special Olympic competitions. I’ve been lucky enough to compete on the State level two years.

SMART is one of the best activities in my life. I look forward to being apart of it for a long time. It will be really great when SMART has it’s own home someday.

SMART is “Pennies for Ponies.” Each year my dad & I raise money in our neighborhood to help take care of all the horses. You’d really be surprised at how much hay they can eat & you’d really be amazed at how long it takes to count all the pennies & change we collect.

Thank You SMART for being there for ME.

Nicki Hazelett