Saturday, June 1, 2013

Thrills and Chills!

This won't exactly be entirely horse related, but it's a very special shout out to a very special person.

My daughter Lisa turned 21 this year, the last greatest milestone birthday a person has. She is the most amazing woman I know and I have no idea what I'd do without her. She's my "right hand" and is a phenomenally talented horsewoman. Lisa is about to graduate from her college's Corrections Academy, as she has chosen to go into the Law Enforcement field. I could not be more proud of her. So, it took doing something really special for her this year to celebrate her birthday.

Back in February, Lisa and I represented the Arabian breed at Horse Expo Pomona performing a beautiful Musical Pas de Deux on two of our spectacular Arabian geldings. Last March, we took a family outing to Auto Club Speedway (formerly California Speedway) for the first time in 8 years to see a NASCAR race in person -- we used to go every year, from 1997 through 2004. My have we missed it. That was an amazing experience, and oh so much fun.

For the Grand Birthday Finale, last week we went on another long awaited family excursion: Six Flags Magic Mountain, the world's greatest theme park with the world's greatest roller coasters. Lisa has literally been waiting her whole life to go. My husband and I used to make that fabled trek to Valencia every Fourth of July, from 1991 until 2000. In 2001, we went on our 10th Anniversary, July 7th. That was our last trip to Magic Mountain and my how we have missed it. Our former "Family Tradition".

It was everything Lisa expected and more. We began with Great American Revolution, the world's first looping roller coaster, which is in itself traditional. Since the late 1970's, where we launch! Then started hitting the big coaster rides. From Viper, to Ninja, to Batman--The Ride, to Riddler's Revenge and more, then on to the new (to us) rides...Green Lantern: First Flight (which was sheer fun!), X2 (which was totally nuts!) and the ride to top all rides, Tatsu (a 'flying' coaster that is now my all time favorite!!).

We had the time of our lives and can't wait to go back. The park is opening their 18th roller coaster some time this Summer called Full Throttle, and you can bet we'll be heading back to experience that one as soon as we can. :) I've had folks tell me that at my age and after not going to an amusement park for so many years, my taste for thrill rides would be diminished. They could not have been more wrong, I am happy to report. It's stronger than ever and I'm determined to reignite that family tradition!

So there you have my first official report of the Summer for 2013...look for more exciting horse related news upcoming on this blog in addition to all the training articles and advice you've come to expect. Rock on!!

~SFTS