Somebody Pinch Me Please

After however many years it's been (almost a full 9, I figure) I can't believe how rewarding it still feels to volunteer for WCR. I'm about to finish my first session teaching my own class. Sure I taught last session, but this time, I was like REALLY in charge. It hadn't even occurred to me until a volunteer brought it up to me last night. We had just finished class 7 of 8, and after he said it out loud I laughed at first, and then felt like I needed to be pinched. A whole session on my own.

I'd almost even forgotten that his was my first. Nine years of class every Monday and I guess I've gotten pretty comfortable in the class setting. And even though every week it seems hard to come up with something to do- I always do come up with something. I see similar things in the volunteers. Getting to know their clients and each week getting more comfortable with certain things. Then on the other side they are trying new things with the stuff they aren't comfortable with.

I had a brand new volunteer leading in class last night. It was a slow and hot night and thought it would be a good night to practice. And she did great! And the end she almost let her horse out with her halter still on, thankfully I was right there and we caught her time. But I just had to laugh. I remember when I first started and let a horse out with the halter on, but then it was dark out. And we (the instructor, my mom and I) went marching out with flashlights into the HUGE pasture and retrieved the halter. I didn't do it ever again!

I get so excited for new volunteers, getting to feel that exhilaration that the first few sessions / year / years can bring. But then, what am I saying? It still feels that way after 9 years. I love going to class. I get excited about getting to see everyone each week. I like getting to work with the clients and volunteers. I LOVE seeing volunteers getting excited about what they are doing.

We Can Ride is good therapy for ME. I can't believe the session is almost over. I guess it's true what the saying says, "Time flies when you're having fun". I am having loads of fun.