Everyone Needs A Mentor
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Everyone needs a mentor. We all need those people who lift us up when we are down, help us see the possibilities, and support even our smallest steps towards our goals.
Around the corner from where I live, an unassuming gravestone marks the place where a very special man now lies. His name was Vinny and through his generosity, at least two generations of children learned to love horses and had the chance to compete in local shows.
I remember Vinny when I was a child as he took his nieces and nephews to gymkhanas and fall fairs. He didn’t coach eventers, reiners or dressage riders. His kids competed in apple bobbing, barrel racing and ride-a-buck. They had loads of fun, and took home handfuls of ribbons.
He drove an old pick-up truck and pulled a bright yellow horse trailer. On the pick-up truck were stock racks and about three ponies were lined up sideways, heads over the sides. The rusted yellow trailer too, contained as many ponies as it would hold. Today, no doubt he would have been pulled over for having an unsafe load, but back then, no one gave it much thought and Vinny and ‘his kids’ were a fixture at every local gymkhana and fair.
As his nieces and nephews grew up, and the ribbons and trophies that they won stored away, Vinny continued taking their children and friend’s children to shows. He gave new young riders the chance to compete that may not have been available to them otherwise. These lucky kids had the same opportunity as their parents, thanks to Vinny. Vinny owned most of the ponies, boarded others and no horse-crazy kid was ever turned away. On the weekends and after school, Vinny’s barn was a busy place.
Today, even though Vin is gone, a third generation is learning from their parents and grandparents, what he taught them. Each fall, a local fair offers the "Vin Stainton Memorial Trophy" that is awarded to a junior competitor displaying outstanding sportsmanship and horsemanship while competing.
Vinny’s love of horses was obvious in the way he carefully cared for his ponies, despite his humble facility. There is no doubt he was met on the rainbow bridge by many welcoming souls. I know many tears were shed when the world lost Vin.
There are many people who are mentors and supporters of riders of all ages. I count my sister and mother as special people in my life from whom I've learned, and who have encouraged and supported me. My sister has mentored so many young and aspiring riders, involving them in competition and teaching them to be compassionate and skilled riders.
More recently, some exceptionally patient riding coaches have helped me break long ingrained habits and learn new skills. My biggest fear is that I don’t bore or frustrate them, or embarrass myself too badly. I am grateful to all of them.
Who are the special people in your life who mentor and support you? Is there someone who has been instrumental in supporting your love of horses? |
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