A Helping Hand
Over the span of 18 years, in which I had always admired, wanted, and was undeniably fascinated by horses; I began to step towards my future by looking at the past.
After learning that my beloved Grandmother had gone to a little school in the tiny, quiet, horse populated countryside of Midway, Kentucky, I decided to discover more about the town that my Grandma had been raised in.
My high school cross-country coach, Mr. Reynolds, a chemistry teacher who looked the part with his white hair and wide rimmed glasses also mentioned the distant, yet familiar name of Midway. The reason he brought the school to my attention was due to my own self affliction; earlier that year I had written a paper describing the dangerous and toxicity levels of crab apples in Kentucky and their effects on horses. He knew that Midway University offered several Equine programs.
I had no true "handling" or riding experience with horses. My first interaction occurred at the famous Twin Spires located in my hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. Living just two miles from "the greatest two minutes in sports" was inspiring enough to start my interest in horses. As a child I would spend summer days at the Junior Jockey Club at the World renowned Churchill Downs.
At the races, my favorite part wasn't the stunning Aristides horse sculpture, it wasn't the cheering crowd, nor was it the ice cream floats or crafts I made in the Junior Jockey Club - no, my favorite part was getting the chance to merely touch the nose of a horse - usually a "ponying" horse (the one beside the racehorse used to keep the Thoroughbred from galloping or becoming nervous).
I felt like I needed a ponying companion to help me as I went into my first day of barn chores at Midway University feeling as if I had blinders on. Other than three trail rides throughout my life I'd never tacked a horse up. Never in my life had I picked out a horse's hoof or even lead a horse. Thankfully I had help! Although some of my peers rolled their eyes or simply walked away from me, one kind stranger showed me how to place the halter on the horse. I may have read just about every source I could about horses, but until I had hands-on experience, I'd never been able to truly apply what I saw.
Throughout my University experience I both struggled and succeeded in the equine industry. But although the lack of experience, and little to zero horse exposure took a toll on my grades, I was determined to learn as much as I could given the time I had at Midway. A horse would not give up on me, and neither would I in return.
https://thehorse.com/171166/the-track-pony-a-racehorses-best-friend/
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