I want a pony!!!!

Looking back I now can positively confirm that when my first born exclaimed that she wanted a pony for her birthday, she was definitely not laughing. She never got that pony, and she more than likely never will, unless we win Mega Millions. (Every week she asks us to purchase a ticket with hopes of winning the jackpot so she can have her very own horse!)

It all began a little over 6 years ago, with one of my dearest friends from college daughters’ riding at a show in Charlotte. We made a family affair out of it and went to show our support for Helen, 7 years old at the time. Since that day, Molly has been hooked, and remember she was merely 3 years old. We began going to Helen’s shows that were in and around the Charlotte area and when Molly was old enough I began to drop her off for the day with her “Aunt Annsley”. (If you aren’t familiar with an equestrian show, they last all day and sometimes an entire weekend.)

Molly just wanted to be near the horses and learn. Give her a shovel and she will scoop horse poop all day long, just as long as she was close to her love.

Two Christmases ago Santa decided to get creative and give Molly lessons. Mrs. Claus searched for the perfect barn that would fit into our family’s needs. (The equestrian sport can be very expensive, and we knew that: A) We were not leasing/buying a horse or pony and B) WE WERE NOT LEASING OR BUYING A HORSE OR PONY! *)

Barn found!

Shea Roseis located in Waxhaw, and surprisingly enough, not a bad drive from our south Charlotte home. Carol Land is the owner, and I truly believe that she is one of the most amazing women that I have been given the opportunity to know. When we first began she told us, “Do not go out and buy anything, please borrow what we have before you invest, make sure she really wants this and we have all the necessities here for any rider to borrow.”

Until this point I had not found a barn where you were not required to purchase your own helmet, half chaps, boots, etc. SOLD! (I had also done research and Carol was very highly recommended.)

This summer Shea Rose is offering a camp for adults, in addition to their youth day camp schedule, that’s right MOM, you get the chance to relive your camper days and ride! Parents may ride with their children as well. All levels accommodated. Visit Carol on her website: www.shearosefarm.com

This farm and program is unique in that they provide a holistic approach to riding and teaching in an effective, safe way to accelerate learning in a wide variety of experiences with horses. Shea Rose is an organic farm and Carol is a dietician as well, who has been involved with organic gardening and alternative therapies since the late 60’s.

I am thinking that I may just have to sign Molly and myself up for some “camper bonding”, and I am sure she will love to show me up in all her skills that she has gained from Ms. Carol and her staff.

Carol also teaches vaulting, Shea Rose has a vaulting team, AKA gymnastics on a moving horse! Stayed tuned Smarty’s, that is another story that will blow your mind, who would have ever thought!

(* Unless of course we win Mega Millions or Powerball. Molly has that one in writing tucked away in a safe place!)

Shea Rose Farm, Inc.
2411 Waxhaw Marvin Road
Marvin, NC 28173
704-843-4306
www.shearosefarm.com