Our daughter won first place at her dressage show this weekend.
Here's what I want her to know:
Mom Ashley Bailey-Smith and I aren’t proud because of the ribbon.
We were proud before she got it.
We'd be just as proud without it.
Proud that she rode into the ring with a judge watching.
Proud of the work it took to get there.
Proud of how she carried herself.
The ribbon is hers to keep. So is our pride. One doesn't depend on the other.
I'm so happy and proud it hurts.
Show up. Ride your best.
That's always enough.