Butterfly the Equestrienne

When you have a child who struggles to accomplish (or who will never accomplish) the things for which all good parents await and celebrate: first words, first solid food, first steps, potty training, learning to read, learning to tie her shoes, learning to share and so on, there is an understandable heartache that you carry. However, there is also a special indescribable JOY, a thankful elation, when you witness that child doing above and beyond what you hoped or dreamed they could accomplish. That joy revisited us this past weekend in Lexington, Virginia, as we watched our daughter, Butterfly, who has spina bifida, compete in the Therapeutic Horseback Riding Association of Virginia event.

Butterfly's equestrian gear included paddock boots, jodhpurs, garter straps, show shirt, show collar with pin, show coat, hair net, and riding helmet with faux-velvet cover.

Butterfly's riding center did everything possible to make their riders feel celebrated. Butterfly's photo hung on one of the horse stalls at the event.

 Butterfly was a great sport posing for photos in her riding regalia.

We were blessed to have many out-of-town family members join us for the event including Butterfly's cousin. I regret not getting a photo of the entire family.

More decorations outside our horses' stalls.

Butterfly has mounted Rebel and is ready for her first competition.

Notice that Rebel has his mane braided. His tail is braided too.

Butterfly waits to begin the equitation round.

 We reminded Butterfly to keep focused and not get distracted by her cheering section. An equestrian should always look in the direction she wants her horse to go. In this case Butterfly is asking Rebel to track left (and she is completely ignoring her cheering section). What focus!

Butterfly received a blue ribbon (first place) for equitation. I wish you could have experienced the bubbling-up, tears-spilling-over joy we felt as we watched Butterfly ride. The ribbon was just icing on the cake for incredibly thankful and proud parents.

Butterfly and Rebel after their blue ribbon event. Rebel did a wonderful job too!

Butterfly also competed in pole bending, trails and dressage. 

She received red ribbons (second place) for pole bending and dressage and a yellow (third place) for trail.

Butterfly's total points earned her the title of "Reserve Champion" (second place overall) in her class. Check out that giant ribbon!

Butterfly made a new friend, T, who also competed for Galloping Acres. T received Champion (first place overall) in her and Butterfly's class. Way to go!

On the left are some of the riders and helpers from Galloping Acres. On the right is Shannon Lawson, director of the therapeutic riding program at Galloping Acres. We are so thankful to have them in our lives!

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40: 28-31