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To Be a Winner

The first time I met Debbie, I felt very welcomed. I had heard many stories of Debbie’s horse club and that they practiced day and night with no breaks. I was told that Debbie yelled constantly and was mean to her students. But none of this was true. Debbie began coaching me in horse judging and riding when I was in my freshman year of high school. She taught me a lot in the first couple of months, varying from how to manipulate a course of fences to how to deal with the difficulties of owning horses. I began competing for Debbie’s club and barn, and experienced a winning streak. When things started to turn sour, she didn’t yell or tell me to do better; she instead guided me in analyzing what I had done wrong and helped me to correct it. Debbie helped me to better myself. When I became a member of a national traveling horse judging team, Debbie became the team coach. We did the worst our state has ever done at an All-American contest, placing seventh. But instead of being angry or punishing us, Debbie pointed out what we did well and hoped for the best. Because of her motivation we swept the next competition, winning every category. At Nationals, I won overall individual for the first time in any contest. Debbie’s gentle motivation had a lot to do with my success. Thank you, for all you have done.

Submitted by Marion Q.