Jack’s Jottings
Jackson, a Bits & Pieces student, has been riding for 10 years. We’re pleased to offer his latest edition of “Jack’s Jottings”.
I have loved riding since I was a young boy. The thing I loved most about riding was the fact that I really felt at ease, I never felt judged, and I never felt stressed. Because having a horse as a companion is the biggest gift the universe could give, it’s the biggest gift I have received.I remember when I first started riding, it was a surprise from my mom. She told me that she signed me up for a sport. She didn’t like me being in the house all day. This was right around the time when I was becoming addicted to my phone (believe it or not)..I was not pleased with her, but then she smiled and told me I don’t have to do it if I don’t want to, but I’m going to be horseback riding. I jumped with joy, quite literally in the middle of Walgreens. Horseback riding became my safe place. I never wanted to leave. That’s what horses make you feel because they’re silent. They don’t need words to speak. They speak by showing you their loyalty.
There aren’t enough people who appreciate horses. That’s why I am in the Special Olympics. I am doing it to give the horse recognition. I am doing it for the barn. I am doing it for us. I have gone from barn to barn over the years until I found New Beginnings. It was perfect. New Beginnings' mentors were patient, but they also pushed me to my limits. Just this year, when I was offered to represent New Beginnings with a few of my peers at Special Olympics, obviously, I said yes: more time with the horse, and I get to grow closer to my peers. I got to grow as a rider. This is every rider's dream. We were also honored at a party for all the people moving up to the Special Olympics. I liked the party because it was a place for different riders to interact and talk about their experiences. I thought about how happy horseback riding makes me feel, how free I feel. Different people get these feelings in different ways: reading a book, helping someone, hanging out with friends, or playing sports. None of those are bad. I enjoy lots of those things, but the one that makes me feel the most free is horseback riding.
