Friends and Family! Just a reminder that with the excitement of Christmas, we have moved lessons to Monday, tonight, this week. We will have some special guests joining us for our lesson "Over the River and Through the Woods" followed by hot chocolate and cookies. Feel free to bring and share your own cookies but I am bringing a variety; nothing fancy mind you.
We will have lessons starting at 4:00 and I really could use a couple helping hands to come early again this week. With last weeks turn out, I am just trusting that help is on the way. While I get excited about these "themed" lessons please help me to focus on the riding skill, even if it is just walking on and whoaing, steering, or overcoming obstacles. All of our riders are perfecting various skills and climbing towards goals. Encourage proper hand positioning, leg aids, and such. Leaders, sing along, but keep in mind your focus is on the care of the horse; looking for any signs of distress. Leaders your focus is the rider; for sure include social and life skills into the lesson, but make sure we are not reaching too far or testing our balance. Encourage and support:)When we work together, safety will stay at the center of our practice.
With the mild weather, I have really been juggling what to do as far as lessons for January and February. Last year with three riders, we went week to week; however with 6 times as many people to contact, I just do not think I can do that this year. I will forget someone for sure...With trailering, snow removal, and the port-a-pot, it is a lot to organize so tentatively, we will not be having lessons during January and February. Once the temp drops and stays steady in the arena it takes a few glorious days to bring the temp back up. Some of you have already noticed that. We are blessed to have such a facility for the time that we do. If you know anything about me; it's that if I can, I will. As soon as the weather breaks, I will get you all back in there to ride or go crazy trying! Tentatively we will have a winter wonderland ride at the farm for experienced volunteers, volunteer training in March for our new recruits, and a first aid and CPR certification workshop in April for all those interested.
As far as the year in review, there just are not words to describe how blessed we have been. Last year was one of the most difficult years I have ever experienced and I honestly have had some low times in my life. However, you have made it the most rewarding and fulfilling. Like I said, it doesn't make sense in words; but it's the best I can do. God's love is the greatest gift we can receive and that is what I have found in you. The loss of a loved one is never easy, but my loss completely broke my spirit and challenged me in every aspect of life. I am certain that is why He sent me you; at that time I grabbed on to you and I loved you like my own. You are my brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, sons, and daughters. It may not be the most professional position to take, but to me it is the most important. I love you ALL and thank God for you each and every day. You will never know the impact you have made on my life.
Merry Christmas!
Monique Nellis
We will have lessons starting at 4:00 and I really could use a couple helping hands to come early again this week. With last weeks turn out, I am just trusting that help is on the way. While I get excited about these "themed" lessons please help me to focus on the riding skill, even if it is just walking on and whoaing, steering, or overcoming obstacles. All of our riders are perfecting various skills and climbing towards goals. Encourage proper hand positioning, leg aids, and such. Leaders, sing along, but keep in mind your focus is on the care of the horse; looking for any signs of distress. Leaders your focus is the rider; for sure include social and life skills into the lesson, but make sure we are not reaching too far or testing our balance. Encourage and support:)When we work together, safety will stay at the center of our practice.
With the mild weather, I have really been juggling what to do as far as lessons for January and February. Last year with three riders, we went week to week; however with 6 times as many people to contact, I just do not think I can do that this year. I will forget someone for sure...With trailering, snow removal, and the port-a-pot, it is a lot to organize so tentatively, we will not be having lessons during January and February. Once the temp drops and stays steady in the arena it takes a few glorious days to bring the temp back up. Some of you have already noticed that. We are blessed to have such a facility for the time that we do. If you know anything about me; it's that if I can, I will. As soon as the weather breaks, I will get you all back in there to ride or go crazy trying! Tentatively we will have a winter wonderland ride at the farm for experienced volunteers, volunteer training in March for our new recruits, and a first aid and CPR certification workshop in April for all those interested.
As far as the year in review, there just are not words to describe how blessed we have been. Last year was one of the most difficult years I have ever experienced and I honestly have had some low times in my life. However, you have made it the most rewarding and fulfilling. Like I said, it doesn't make sense in words; but it's the best I can do. God's love is the greatest gift we can receive and that is what I have found in you. The loss of a loved one is never easy, but my loss completely broke my spirit and challenged me in every aspect of life. I am certain that is why He sent me you; at that time I grabbed on to you and I loved you like my own. You are my brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, sons, and daughters. It may not be the most professional position to take, but to me it is the most important. I love you ALL and thank God for you each and every day. You will never know the impact you have made on my life.
Merry Christmas!
Monique Nellis