My Life's Leader

August 22, 2008

I stood in the driveway awaiting the person that would soon become the most influential aspect in my life. At the time, however, I was unaware that my life was about to make a drastic change. She bolted down the road with such strength that I almost ran in fear. Thanks to my unnatural urge to stay and wait things out, I was introduced to Anna, my new dressage riding instructor. From that point on, Anna lead me into the real world where I developed and matured into who I am today. That introduction allowed for a smooth flowing relationship: We work together like a well oiled machine. Anna's optimistic and outspoken personality flows with my quiet personality as well as influencing my personality to change.
Five years after that first introduction, I found myself competing at a rated dressage show in Castle Rock. Anna and I entered the show knowing that we were there for the experience and could not expect any ribbons or recognition. After all, this was my first rated show and I had to compete against girls that had been training on higher level horses for a lot longer than me. Going into that day, it felt as though we were entering into a shark aquarium: Our standards were set very low from the beginning. The day started with a quick warm up in the out side arena. Anna belted out directions in her confident voice and caused me to forget about the situation we were in. After Anna helped me gain my confidence, she led me to the showing ring and kept me focused with constant questions she slipped into my mind. Before I knew it, I found myself staring at the watchful judge. I almost lost my focus before Anna started calling my course for all to hear. Silence soothed the people and all that could be heard was Anna’s echoing voice. When I finished the test a loud scream bellowed from Anna’s lips, which was a common reaction for her after I finished any test. As I left the ring I was welcomed with a big hug from no other than Anna herself. She dangled the results inches from my face and skipped off expecting me to follow. As we read over the results, I stared at her face taking in all she had to say. With each others help we were able to win the first place ribbon that day. This story parallels how Anna helps me in my overall life; she is the back bone I need to live a successful life.
Due to the fact that we are such different people, Anna and I are able to work together and accomplish many things. Every week, I make it out to the ranch to get an incredible horseback riding lesson from my other half. The second I leave my car and enter the barn, Anna and my relationship moves in perfect motion. "Elena! How was your week?" I am always introduced with a loud voice that I could never impersonate. After a short and sweet response from myself, I am confronted with yet another intriguing story that seems to have no end. This communication is repeated throughout the hour and a half I am there. It is not like Anna has more to say or better stories; she simple becomes my leader and I become a follower. I often find myself more intrigued in her life than my own because she voices her opinions so well and I am able to review those thoughts in my head. I am comforted by the fact that I am able to listen and not speak just as much as she is comforted by the fact that I will allow her to voice her thoughts. Together we maintain a perfect balance and are able to work together like a yin and yang
This loud knowledgeable teacher is held in high regards by me. I know that I become quiet when I am around her because I want to know everything she has to offer. She has all my respect seeing as she brought me from a young novice rider to a second level dressage trainer. Along with developing my riding skills, she also developed who I am as a person. Thanks to the great respect I hold for her, I make it my responsibility to use her teachings in my own life. In my riding lessons, she puts heavy focus on the positive riding and ignores the negative. This technique makes the riding fun as well as doubling my ability and confidence in the sport. This is Anna’s approach t o life; she developed an honest eye for the positive parts in life and puts all her focus on it. Anna is a model to me and I am happy to take on her approach to life.
I must give most credit for who I have become to this incredible teacher. Anna is so influential in my life that when I am not with her, she can be found within me. My friends have noticed my character has shifted and changed into something different than what it was before. While some people frown upon such a change, I find that this change is no change at all. Anna encouraged my outgoing optimistic side to come out from its shy and reserved shell. Now, I know how it feels to see the world through an open eye. Now, I know what it feels like to become a leader. Now, I understand how a good relationship should flow. Anna once said, "Now you have the confidence and skill to ride a great test, so go show the world what you’re made of." And so, I will enter this world a changed person; a person who lives and sees through different eyes than my child version ever did. Anna influenced my life and continues to do so to this very day due to her noticeable character that flows well with my own.