(college essay version)

how to handle more difficult horses. Months spent with that mare outside of lessons and just working with her over that summer built up my confidence greatly. I didn't slouch when I rode anymore; I sat up tall in the saddle and rode with pride. She changed more than just my riding, though. I went from a meek little girl to a proud, confident cowgirl who could take on whatever life threw out there.1

With that confidence built into me, I continued riding with great success. I found myself able to control more spirited horses who often pitched fits and tried to throw me. Instead of trembling at violent, often intimidating antics, I would just laugh. They couldn't get me to go away. After all, I was a cowgirl and cowgirls never gave up.2

After months of training, I had officially fallen in as one of Dawn's 'girls'. There were wonderful benefits to that like being able to work around the ranch in exchange for riding time. I got to help her train horses or exercise a lesson horse who needed some work. She could trust me to handle whatever horse she threw at me. They could run and buck all they wanted, but I was not going to let them win. I truly believed that I could do whatever I set my mind on.3

Even though I no longer see Dawn or any of those old horses, the confidence those days instilled on me still help me today, though. I do rely on them when I work with my new horse, a beautiful, but difficult four year old Mustang I named Eros. Eros is spirited and powerful, a real handful with wild blood coursing through his veins. Whenever he starts acting up to the point where I can feel myself starting to get frustrated, I remember my journey to get to my skill level now and I accomplish what I set out to do.4

Horses built up my confidence level and taught me what I could do. I began nervous and unsure, but I realized through working with those magnificent animals that I was smart, capable, and hardworking. I didn't need to hide from the world; I could and would succeed. I could have enough confidence in myself to be outgoing and friendly, even around unfamiliar people. Most importantly, though, horses taught me to never give up no matter what.5

Outside of just horseback riding, my experiences help me get through school. Whenever I struggle in a class and feel like just giving up and accepting a mediocre grade, I take a deep breath and tell myself that cowgirls don't give up. I remember more difficult situations I've been in and I got through them then. With memories like that always echoing through my head, I've never gotten anything less than a B on my report card. If I'm persistent with difficult horses than I know I can't give up in difficult classes.6

No matter what life throws at me, I won't give up. Every horse is different, but they've all taught me the same thing: never give up.