Maddy's been riding since she was just a little thing. And, she didn't start out on a pony. The first horse she rode was a 16 hand thoroughbred named Critter.

Some of you may question the sanity of a mother who allows her very small daughter to ride such a horse--but I knew I could trust Critter. He was a marginally successful race horse who found himself on a cattle ranch. How a horse without an ounce of cow sense ended up on the ranch I'll never know. But he had a gentle spirit, and he took tender care of his young rider.

It was clear that Maddy loved horses from a young age and wanted to ride, (as some say, I guess it was in her blood,) so it became my goal to help her learn to really, "really", ride.

Maddy logged lots of hours in the saddle and became quite the little rider. It seemed to come naturally to her. I watched in amazement as she coaxed the most stubborn horse on the ranch into quietly doing whatever she asked. As she grew she developed a true interest in eventing, which includes dressage, stadium jumping and cross country.

In order for her to event, we had to find a trainer.

There are many different trainers and programs, so here's a list of things we considered in choosing the riding academy that she and Moon train at.

1: Safety. One of our biggest concerns. Everyone who rides knows that it can be dangerous. We know of two people who were killed in horse/riding accidents. The riding academy takes safety very seriously. The kids wear helmets at all times, no exceptions. Same with protective vests. If they're jumping they wear them. Period.

2: A knowledgeable trainer and superb facility. The world is full of trainers. Good and bad. We looked around and found someone who was well respected, with 20 years of training and instructing experience. The program is geared from taking beginners to advanced and FEI Young Rider level in dressage, stadium jumping and cross country.

3: Environment: Maddy rides with a handful of other kids and the environment at the barn is great. All of the kids are friends and spend a lot of time there. In addition to riding almost every day, the kids are expected to put in some hard work. They all own their own horse and are expected to take care of them. They keep the barn and stalls clean. They groom and clean tack. They really learn the responsibility that comes with owning horses.

4: Commitment: Maddy rides almost every day. The program is designed so that young riders are accepted into the pre-academy each year. Riders then progress through levels and eventually acceptance into the academy program is by invitation. Only very committed riders enter the academy program.

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So, all things considered we feel like it was a good decision. Maddy loves riding and she and Moon make a great team. Moon is only six, so they are learning together. They are at a show now, and doing well.

And to think, we accommplished all of this with only an occasional grumble from Jeff!