Jennifer Malloy is one of Sarah's long time riding students, and a sweeter girl can not be found.

Jennifer is shown exhibiting/riding Maggie Schlund's 1/2 Arabian gelding "Jake" (just his barn name, not his registered name) at the first show of the year yesterday. Jennifer is showing Jake for the first time this year as she has always showed her Walking Horse "Rosie" up to now.

But she rides Jake at Sarah's for lessons, and this year riding in the Western Discipline is a first.

Jake hasn't been in the ring in a couple of years, just puttering around at Sarah's barn with an occasional student. They are quite the handsome pair as you can see in this photo above left.

The photo below is taken when Jennifer and Jake are on the other side of the ring.

Notice anything unusual?

Look closely, at Jennifer's leg. There is only a part of one. She was born with a congential defect and she wears a full length prosthesis. However, riding Jake in the Western, discipline, she sheds the leg and stays perfectly in the saddle exhibiting enviable form.

Hurray for Jen and for her patience, courage and spunk. She is one of the most talented riders, straight "A" student, will be a senior in High School in September and is driving back and forth to the barn in her own car.

Jen's positive attitude, winning smile, caring and courteous manners and around all American Girl are a blessing to us.

She complains not.

A lesson I need to learn!