Dear Harriette

FROM GERLINDE PLATE

“THESE ANIMALS NOT ONLY TEACH US RIDING BUT ALSO A LOT MORE FOR LIFE."

Dear Harriette…

You really are a wonderful person!

I have enjoyed every minute of us working together these last 3 years. Right from the start you were always willing to accept anything I suggested and trusted me completely to know what was best for you and Toby. You certainly were frustrated sometimes if things didn’t work out as you wanted, but you never let me or, as I assume anybody else, feel bad about it.

We horse people know that these animals not only teach us riding but also a lot more for life. In a very practical way, we riders learn that sometimes things need time and cannot be forced. Even owning your own horse doesn’t always mean success and great riding every day. But for some reason, not always understandable to other people, we love it anyway! How happy we are when things turn out and there are these great moments of harmony and working together with the horse we strive for every day.

You and Toby have learned so much, I am very proud of you!

I so much hope we will stay in contact! Just send me updates of what you are doing, even if it has nothing to do with horses. I will still be happy to know how you are doing and which path you will choose in your life. As your Mom says, we feel almost like family! The great thing about riding is, that you can take a break, come back to it, and at any age still improve! It is a great asset to have such a passion in your life!

I wish you all the best for your future, stay the happy, positive and very caring person you are.

Love you, Your riding coach and friend, Linna

The great thing about riding is, that you can take

“a break, come back to it, and at any age still improve.

01.28.18

This series of photos were taken on an extraordinarily hot day, and I remember it being a few days before we started our eighth grade year. I found it on my personal WeChat moments page, with the following caption:

Harriette: TOBY DON’T EAT MY SADDLE PAD

Toby: I’m sowwy *slowly bends down to eat saddle pad in Harriettes hand*

Harriette: �