August
2009
Happy Birthday Nikki!
Nicole,
It seems like
just yesterday that you were sitting atop my old POA mare in the backyard, trying
to balance at two years old while yelling “Make her go, Mommy” over
and over again! Nikki, we cannot believe that you are now 19 years old. You
have completed your first year of college and are aging out of POA. It
just does not seem possible!
To begin to
recount all of the fantastic memories and friends you
have made along the way would be impossible! The miles,
laughs, tears, and celebrations all seem to blend together
after a while. The only thing you know for sure when
it is over is that it has been a great ride – a fantastic journey and all
because of some four-legged spotted creatures that open their hearts to you for
love and friendship in return.
Nicole – your
father and I are so very proud of you. We are amazed everyday at your perseverance,
your attitude and your wisdom. You have a kind heart, a loving spirit and
a wonderful sense of humor. You are always willing to reach out to others,
spend time with the little kids running around the shows, and jump on some younger
kid’s pony to straighten things out for them so they don’t get hurt. We
have mounted you on quite a few ponies through your years in POA (Dottie, Deedee,
Pepper, Classy and Zip) – some to teach you lessons and some for you to
teach and you have always risen to the challenge and, in the end, both you and
the pony have walked away better because of you and the kind of horsewoman you
have become.
And here we
are, still spinning and recovering from you going away
last year to Stephen Austin University some 1400+ miles
away from home and now, the end of your time as a POA
youth. Through your 16+ years in POA, there are hundreds
of lessons you have learned along the way:
always
sit/stand up straight, a
little hard work never killed anyone, a
combination of firmness and compassion yields the best
results and true
friendship stands the test of time (and miles).
Please stay true to yourself and to others and remember
that we love you very much and that no matter how far
you travel from home, we are always here for you (and
your ponies!)
Love,
Mom and Dad |
Pony Of The Americas Club, Inc.