Ava Limberg Trailblazer Fellowship Learning Log

This past year with the fellowship has been filled with many opportunities, growth, challenges, and new experiences. Every day has been another stepping stone in the right direction, and it's been a privilege to be a part of the Trailblazer Fellowship and collaborate with many amazing and unique people with bold dreams. Seeing what everyone has done and plans to do has been so inspiring! 

Through my Trailblazer Fellowship Grant, I was able to break out (begin training) my 3-year-old horse by sending him to the trainer and get a new saddle that fits him well. Since my horse, Brother, came back from the trainer after about 30 days, I have been able to continue his training to soon become a barrel horse racing at local jackpots around northern Minnesota. There are always ups and downs when training a young horse, as I have found out multiple times, but overall, the experience has been a huge opportunity for growth. It has tested my patience, consistency, and physical strength, but through it I have learned the value of hard work and determination, even when it may seem difficult. I've also discovered that no matter how much you can prepare for something in life, there will always be challenges, but what matters the most is how you take them on and see them as a privilege rather than a burden.

The horse world is a wonderful thing, but can sometimes be very hard to navigate as a young person. With the help of the Ann Bancroft Foundation, my journey was made easier and less stressful due to their generous support. They have allowed me to explore and dive deeper into one of my many passions and learn more about myself and how to work with those who don’t have a voice for themself. ABF has given me the chance to learn more about the life I hope to fully live one day and has given me a chance to grow in new ways, and for that I will forever be grateful.