Riders Journals
Taking the Reins was the best thing I ever signed up for. At first, I was scared of all the horses. Scared of feeding them, grooming them, even getting close to one. Now, I am so
comfortable next to one, I could kiss one. Because of this program I can now feed, groom, ride and understand a horse. The feeling to be the only one in my family to actually not be scared of something is the best. I was always the one scared of everything, now I am not.
It also feels good to ride the horses and feel tall. The one thing I’m still scared of is being kicked and pooped or stepped on, but I bet everyone is scared of that, even Karin, our teacher.
Zaida, age 13
The hardest thing about riding Oakie is that he thinks he’s the boss. He shows me that by not doing what I tell him, and by going any direction he wants to go. I overcome that by just giving him directions and showing him that I am in charge.
Already the thing I am good at is stopping the horse.
Tatiana, age 14
The girl in that picture hopes for many things but the main ones are for happiness, and she would hope for a horse to have on her own. Taking the Reins could make me happy because I really like horses and I never thought I would have a chance to learn how to ride a horse and groom one as well! All the girls that didn’t participate in this event don’t know what they miss out on!
Jazmine, age 13
The girl hopes to be happy, enjoy everything around her, to socialize, and most of all to learn how to ride horses. She believes that wishes can come true, and that anything’s possible as long as you fight and work for it.
The girl learned that wishes come true the day she went to “Taking the Reins.” She learned that Griffith Park is not the only place to ride horses.
Tatiana, age 14
Courage
First you start by walking which is kind of scary, it’s like when you’re out in the streets in the night. Then you start trotting it is even more scary, like when you’re on a beach where there are a lot of sharks and sea creatures. But loping is just awesome and isn’t scary it just makes you feel happy and free.
Karina, age 13
In the Horse’s Mind
I just had a clean, refreshing shower and I just feel great! My coat is shiny and just in time for a great camera shot! I wanna put a winning smile in my pose. I haven’t seen this girl before, but the camera in her hands means I should say “cheese”! I’ll just keep my eyes all bug-eyed (hope it’ll make me look sweet!) and I should keep my ears direct at both sides, left and right. Cheese!
Julissa, age 13
Tara
I love you
because it feels good when I ride you
because it feels so smooth sometimes
Because you feel very bumpy
Most horses feel the same way too
I love you
I love you
Because when I think of you it makes me want to pet you
Because your fur is so soft and clean
You are the best horse I’ve ever seen
Because you are a unique horse in a good way
Because you are very sweet
I love you
Olga, age 13
Poem of Courage
Courage is taking risks.
Being scared but still going for it.
Try it.
When riding a horse not falling off.
Lights off
in the dark
at night walking alone into the park.
Knowing you can’t do anything when
they’re dying,
but still fighting.
Learning about life,
trying to fly.
In School,
acting cool.
At home
being alone.
Acting like it’s something so nice and bright,
so right
like orange,
it means courage
but still having so much to say.
Stephanie, age 12