She washed Lily, the pony. She helped me trim her bridle path. She led her through the obstacles in my arena.
My grand-niece lost her mom last year about this time, and as you can imagine, it has been a painful journey for her. But she loves the horses. Horses heal hearts.
In fact, I know a horse who lost his mom, too.
Cowboy hasn't ever been a kid's horse or, for that matter, given kids rides at all. When I first put her on his back, he looked unsure.
But after some wither scratches and rubs along his mane, he was melting in her hands.
He even allowed her to lead him through the obstacles.
I was proud of Cowboy.
My grand-niece now lives with my sister and her husband--her grandparents--and we plan to get her up here to the horses as much as possible.
There is a non-profit center in her town that helps children who are grieving. It's called the Willow Center.
They meet every week and then have an annual summer camp for the kids.
There is currently an internet competition going on for a charity to receive a $5,000 donation and the Willow Center is vying for 1st place with three others. Please click on this link-- Willow Center for Grieving Children --and click a vote for Willow Springs. They don't ask for any information and you can vote from anywhere. You can also vote every day! If you can take a second and help them out, I thank you! My grand-niece, and many more children who have lost moms, dads, sisters and brothers, are being helped tremendously.
And, a little horse time doesn't hurt either!
Such a sweet day for a sweet girl. Horse's do heal hearts.
ReplyDeleteYes, indeed. :)
DeleteSuch a sweet little girl. How sad she has to go through this in her young life. Horses seem to instinctively know what we need emotionally and I'm sure Cowboy and Lily helped her find some happiness when she was with you. Her smile is priceless.
ReplyDeleteI'll check out the vote and add mine.
I do love to see her smile. She's often worried, I think. The last time she was here, she helped me clean the stalls and she did a lion's share of the work without once complaining. That proved to me that she really wanted to be with the horses which is a requirement for me to allow them to go to the next step. They arrived on Wednesday and she asked and asked to see the horses. On the final day, Friday, she finally got to really work with them.
DeleteThank you for voting for Willow Springs! That was so nice of you!
Her mother would be so glad that her daughter has a family that loves her so much; you & the horses are making a positive difference in this little girl's life Linda.
ReplyDeleteI'll vote everyday for such a worthwhile charity.
Thank you! I would so deeply appreciate that!
DeleteNever underestimate the power of a pony over a little girl! So good to see the smile.
ReplyDeleteGood boy Cowboy! I think he was a smitten with her as she was with him.
Yeah, he was untrusting at first, but I think he did like it. He may end up being that horse I can trust with kids. He let her lead him all over the place. First, he went to me because that is so deeply ingrained, but when he realized I wanted him to be with her, he really got into it. I'm interested to see how their relationship progresses.
DeleteIt is incredibly hard growing up without your own parent (s) it messes with your head. It forms who you are, and become. With such loving family, she will no doubt flourish. I love the photo of her smiling with the pony. Perhaps frame it, or print it on a pillow or blanket or ?? it could be a feel good, for when she needs some horse healing and can't be with them. Just a thought. The time you & your horses are spending with her will stick forever. Kudos to you for being such a wonderful aunt!! I am off to vote for Willow Springs.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good idea to have it printed on a blanket or pillow. I was definitely going to have it framed. It is a very special picture. Yes, losing a parent is a hole that can't ever be filled, but I hope some things build her up in other places.
DeleteAnd thank you for your vote!!
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