Sam Wolfe
by Anita Sepko
Sam has been a Riding Unlimited student for over 10 years. We have had the pleasure of watching him go from a skinny, shy kid to a handsome young man. Sam has taken some pretty remarkable steps over the past year and he has overcome some of his biggest fears.
Sam has never been one to allow another person outside his family to touch him nor would he engage in conversation willingly with most of the volunteers in the program. Last fall one of our long time volunteers approached Sam and introduced herself to him. She then asked Sam his name although she already knew him. Sam looked around the arena as if to seek out a familiar face. Seeing his mother close by he turned to the volunteer and replied “this much I can tell you, that is Sam Wolfe’s mother”. I like to share that story because it shows how much Sam has overcome. He wasn’t sure he should talk to this person let alone give his name, but to point out his mother he got the question answered safely. Sam has taken the same kind of giant step forward with his riding. Just last year he started to ride as an independent rider which had been something his parents were not sure they would ever see. In order for Sam to take that step he had to first trust his instructor and then his horse. Building that trust took time and patience but it paid off. Sam has consistently done well in shows both at his home arena and away. His confidence in the arena has also spilled over into his personal life. Sam attended Prom at his high school this year and reports he intends to do so again next year and already has a couple of young ladies who would like to be his date. We have no doubt this young man will continue to overcome his personal obstacles and choose to dance when asked. |
