October 2022: Austin
Austin
Our Rider of the Month is seven-year-old Austin! When he started at Stride Ahead he was our youngest rider at two and a half. Now four and a half years later he is quite the veteran rider. Austin’s grandmother, Ann, reflects on those first riding lessons that he was a tiny boy on a big horse with a bareback pad and side walkers to keep him safe while having his lesson. For years Austin rode the lovely Rhapsody and they had a wonderful rider/horse relationship. These days he has been riding Sprinkles, an adorable miniature horse and new addition to our “Stride Ahead Herd”. They are quite a pair.
This last year Austin has grown more independent and participatory in his skills with the horses such as getting the saddle, grooming, leading, getting treats for the horses after his lesson and putting away the saddle.
Ann says she thinks the barn is a nurturing environment; quiet, soothing, full of great people and calm horses. All that comes together to create a team for Austin which helps him have a sense of well-being. By the way, it also creates a great environment for Ann, who has become one of our Stride Ahead volunteers.
Austin is very chatty at home with his family and at school. During his lesson, Austin is the strong silent type but it’s always clear that he’s having a good time by his killer smile which instructors and volunteers say is the icing on the cake. Away from the barn we’ve learned Austin loves books and one in particular, Packhorse Librarian, which Ann bought him for Christmas.
Austin is a much-loved rider at Stride Ahead and we’re so glad he’s a part of our program! Many thanks to Ann and his family for sharing him with us!
Thank you, Austin!
If you would like to make a donation in honor of Austin and all of our wonderful riders who make Stride happen, thank you.
