Didja ever want to fly?????????

Here on Earth, a lot of times I feel the closest I get to Heaven, is on my horse.  It's always been that way for me, and I know a few girls that feel the same.  I know men love their horses too, but honestly, I feel that somehow it's different for a girl, .... whether she is a little girl, or a grown woman girl.  I can forgot a multitude of whatever issues might be going on my life.  On a beautiful day, of course, it's a beautiful day.  On an extremely hot and miserable day, it's still a beautiful day.... on a bitter bitingly cold day, it's obviously, still a beautiful day.  While horseback, I am never as hot, or cold, as I might otherwise be. 

I haven't managed to ride as much this summer, as some summers... as I managed to be sick for the first month or so.  Though I will say, I still managed to get some rides in, and didn't feel as sick while horseback, go figure....

This blog is about how I know young girls feel while jumping.... talk about the feeling of flying!  This is one of Jilly back on Mother's Day.  I've shown it before, but it just bears repeating.

This one I've shown before too..... again, it bears repeating....

Jilly wasn't old enough to be in the Fair this year, but she sure will be next year.  And obviously, I can't wait!

Neither can she....

I'm so proud of Al, that it gives me Goosebumps.  She did the English and Jumping classes at the Fair this year, and was the only one to go over ALL the jumps.  (of all ages) This deserves a little bragging!

Here she is doing a bit of warm up.  They look pretty awesome huh?

Yep, that's my kids there.  I  feel so blessed to have them under my wings.... and to let them have wings of their own.  How do you suppose this young girl feels when she's flying over these jumps, on this huge horse?  The trust these two have together is amazing, and really can not be described.

In this photo, they are coming head on towards me, and I swear that horse is looking at me as if to say "Look Mom, I'm doing it!  I'm doing good!   I'm a GOOD BOY!"

Remember now, that Al is 11 years old.  And don't think for a minute, that it's not pretty scary.  When those horses power up over a jump, so much can change in an instant. 

My Mom and Dad have been to about as many Elmore County Fairs as I have.  My Dad has run the gate and kept records for my groups... cooked... cheered.... and supported all the kids in our club over the years.  And he still does.  For these photos, he has walked all the way down from the bleachers to give Al a hug and tell her how well she did, and how proud he is of her.  I didn't see him in time to get a photo of the hug, but here is what I got. 

I don't want to claim to have the only amazing jumpers.... as there were several pretty spectacular jumps!

This is the young girl that saved her brother's life a few months ago, after he had an accident with his horse.  Pretty darn proud of her too!

So, have YOU ever wanted to fly?  It's possible, right here on Earth.