Smile over the fences...

Mary Jane Brown sailing over fences in the late 70s.

Julie Hensely competing at our April 2017 event in Oroville, WA at Frontier Ranches.

Throughout my horse career and life, I've encountered my fair share of fences. But if you ask anyone who knows me well, they will tell you that I quickly forget the bad and remember the good. Life is too short and precious to waste time and energy worrying about the knocked over poles when there are so many victories! 

I was reminded of this more than ever when I went to Oroville, WA for a horsemanship clinic at Frontier Ranches. This is always one of my favorite events of the year because I get to see all of our friends there, especially Julie. Julie is a wonderful horsewoman and a terrific person. She takes instruction with appreciation and makes adjustments as asked. She trained her handsome palomino gelding, Hotrod, and is one of our best riders--demonstrating perfect circles, transitions and stops. Julie is also blind.

Julie lost her sight in a horse accident in her early 20s but that didn't deter her from enjoying her horse and continuing to learn. Years later, not only did she train her horse, but with a little help from friends' voices, she is able to  load, saddle and do all the regular things that come with taking care of him. She doesn't waste energy complaining or going on about how she can't do something that is asked of her. Instead, she adjusts and problem solves until we all find a way for her to be able to do whatever the given maneuver requires. She is so grateful and full of joy. I'm sure she has her ups and downs like anyone, but she chooses to smile over the fences of life! What a great example to all of us! 

"Being blind, I could just ride my horse. But then I think, why not do more?" Julie Hensley