If you really want something, you’re the only one who can make that happen. Think: What do I need to do to get this done?
I’ve enjoyed a life that has been enhanced by animals. My early passion was for horses. I started riding horses at age 9. My parents were supportive, driving me to the stables and paying for a weekly lesson. Soon I convinced my parents to drop me off on Saturday mornings, where I would spend from about 7:30 a.m. until my father could pick me up, ranging from noon to 5 p.m.
I learned that if I helped others at the stables, people would allow me to ride their horses for free. As I became a solid rider by about 10 to 13 years old, I became the “horse sitter” who would give their horses attention, groom them, and ride them when their owners were out of town. I worked for free for the polo players to hot walk their horses at events, and soon I had three horses to keep in shape for these polo players. At the stables, I would spend time playing cards with other kids or reading if my “chores” were done. Looking back, my parents found a safe community at the stables and free child care….