Okay, let's GO!

by Fotini Walton
(Tottenham)

I had wanted to ride since I was a little girl. Growing up in the city without much exposure to rural life, it was unrealistic. Finally, at the age of 30, I started riding! There was a very special horse named Scooter at the ranch I was riding at. When I rode Scooter I felt safe and secure. Despite the amazing horse, I was still very green and a bit of a nervous rider. My instructor was the best of the best and she assured me that I wouldn't be loping until I was ready. My grandfather, a horse enthusiast, passed away a day before one of my lessons on Scooter. His favorite saying when he was with horses was "Okay,let's go!" The day after his passing, I went to the barn for another ride on my favorite horse. While I was grooming and tacking him, I stood at his side and looked right into his big brown eye and said "Scooter, I am ready to lope...you take good care of me okay?" The look in his eyes and the nod of his head told me he would! It was amazing, we loped in the arena and the sound of the kiss and the words "Okay Scooter,let's go!" It was the best feeling that gave me a new confidence on horse back! Thank you Grandpa and thank you Scooter, I owe it all to you both!