Ned

Ned travels with me where ever I go.

He's a pretty good sport

Never complains

Doesn't need much

and is ready at a moments notice

to help me explain to my students

how to do what I am asking them to do.

Ned is pretty resilient.

He has overcome more than one surgery

caused by repeated stress syndrome

Inflicted by me making him demonstrate

good and bad position.

Sometimes it seems like I don't appreciate Ned

Some students think I drive him too hard

They think I need to give him a break

Because he looks exhausted

And can be found collapsed over the rail

whenever I am not looking

Yes, I have to admit

traveling with me is not always easy

and he does look overworked.

But we have talked about this situation

and you need to know that Ned

enjoys what he is doing and

loves helping students learn to ride.

I have asked him more than once

and although he is old

he is not ready to retire.

So as long as he is still willing to travel

Ned will be with me on the road.

(photo by Marguerite Ostling)