Horseback Riding Lessons

Sandy Kinsey is an administrative assistant in the Middle, Secondary and Math Education department. She recently started taking horseback riding lessons with her granddaughter. Here's that experience, in her own words:

As a young girl, I always wanted to ride horses but never had the opportunity until we moved to the Shenandoah Valley. I began riding in 2004 but mostly Western and trail riding.  I just began taking riding lessons this summer with my granddaughter, Lillian, at Simmons Sport Horses farm in Mt. Solon. On Saturday, Sept. 4^th I participated in my first ever horse show at Kemper Knoll farm. It was a hot and long day but we all had a wonderful time. I was riding Lena in the walk/trot event and received two Reserve places (basically last place). Lillian, riding Heidi, is a much better rider and received a 5^th place ribbon for walk/trot/canter and two 3^rd place ribbons for jumping. For me, being around horses, grooming and riding is very relaxing and soothing. It's also fun spending this time with Lillian on something that we both enjoy.

Way to follow your dreams, Sandy!