A while back I helped Vinceremos
out at their first Special Olympics for this season. It was a sunny day with
blue skies, perfect for an equestrian competition. It was held at the
International Equestrian Center, and I was so excited to attend. Even the
atmosphere at the IEC was perfect. It was like something out of a movie. There
were other competitions going on, and as my friend and I rode the ‘trolley’ (a
couple of golf carts hooked together basically), we were able to see the riders
and their horses taking on brick walls and fences. It was exhilarating! Then at
the actual Special Olympics, everything was professional, efficient, and
beautiful. Riders from Haiti had joined Vinceremos for the Special Olympics,
and it was just awesome to see them all out there showing off all they had
learned. The riders were excited as their trainers encouraged them moments
before competition. Each rider was dressed up and looked so posh in his or her
riding uniform. The horses were prancing and eager to show off too for the
judges.
When I arrived I saw that there were a lot of volunteers, which was a
really good turn-out for Vinceremos, but I wasn’t really sure how I could help.
However, I soon found my niche as I volunteered at the mounting platform. That
way, I could encourage the riders before they went into the ring and
congratulate them when they returned. It didn’t matter so much if they didn’t
get a blue ribbon. Just the fact that they were brave enough to get on a horse
and compete in the Special Olympics was inspiring! I cheered them on
wholeheartedly. My job at the mounting platform consisted of making sure that
the horses were close enough for the riders to mount. At Vinceremos, we have a
lovely little aisle way between mounting platform that the horses stand in
while the riders mount. The center didn’t have that so my job was to create a
wall with my body. Otherwise the horses might take advantage of that extra
space (only because they were so frisky and excited that day). As Air, Will,
Desi, and Cinder each sidled up to the mounting platform, I gently pushed on each
horse’s hindquarters to encourage him or her to move a little closer to the platform. It was actually quite fun! The sun
beat down on our backs, warm and bright. I loved feeling the horse beneath my
hands with his or her warm hair and powerful muscles. I patted and soothed each
horse, telling each one what a good girl or boy he or she was. If I get to be
near horses, I am a happy camper!
Then the next part of my job was to make sure
that the riders settled into the saddle safely, whether that meant adjusting a
foot in a stirrup or just keeping a watchful eye. There were humorous moments
when I was standing in the wrong place and had to dodge a foot. That was always
fun. :) Then, for an added (big) bonus, I was able to tell each rider that they were
going to do awesome out in the ring. I think that they appreciated the
encouragement and moral support. I also helped the riders dismount and praised them on a job well done. It was encouraging for me to see
their smiles. Everyone did so well, and everyone was a winner.
Then to brighten
my day, I actually got to help with side-walking. I helped one rider with his
competition, and he made me so proud. He faced his fear, smiled at the judges,
and showed them all what he had learned at Vinceremos. And I got to help! I
loved encouraging him to just keep riding. He was inspiring to me because he
was so courageous. He faced his fears and
rode a horse! Just riding a horse takes courage and skill in my opinion,
but he also had to handle his nervousness and keep going. Overall, the day was wonderful,
and I loved every minute of it. If these riders can have the courage to put
themselves out there and compete, then I can have the courage to do anything.
Thank you, Vinceremos, and thank you, riders, for all that you do! You are a
blessing to everyone.
