We’ve all heard the saying “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again”—and nowhere is this spirit more beautifully captured than in the heartwarming story of little Crosslyn Vest.
In a viral video that’s captured the hearts of horse lovers everywhere, the determined 3-year-old takes on an impressive challenge: mounting her beloved pony completely on her own. What makes this moment truly special? She tries 16 times before finally achieving her goal—and her parents wouldn’t have it any other way.
A Rider’s Independence Takes Shape
Crosslyn’s mom, Teah Vest, explains that her daughter has been riding for 18 months and absolutely loves her time in the saddle. But the little cowgirl had set her sights on a new milestone: mounting her pony without assistance.
“She wouldn’t let me help. She’s very independent,” Teah shared proudly. And she meant it—this spirited young rider was determined to do it herself, refusing any helping hand from her parents despite the repeated attempts.
A Calm and Patient Partner
While some horses might grow impatient with repeated mounting attempts, Crosslyn’s pony proved to be the perfect teaching partner. The gentle animal remained perfectly still throughout the entire session, displaying the calm demeanor that makes ponies such wonderful first horses for young riders. Its relaxed body language showed that this patient little mount was genuinely unbothered—and even seemed to be cheering on its young rider.
Pure Joy and the Bond Between Horse and Rider
But the real magic happens when Crosslyn finally succeeds. The pure joy radiating from her face as she successfully mounts her pony is absolutely priceless. This is what equestrian dreams are made of—not just the achievement itself, but the journey and the unbreakable bond that forms between a young rider and her horse.
In those 16 attempts, Crosslyn wasn’t just learning a physical skill. She was building confidence, resilience, and independence. Her pony, in turn, became more than just a mount—it became a trusted friend and mentor, teaching her what it truly means to be a horsewoman.
Watch this inspiring video and get ready to fall in love with the determination of a little girl who refuses to give up:
If you’re teaching your child to ride, remember Crosslyn’s story the next time they face a challenge. With patience, determination, and a calm horse by their side, there’s nothing they can’t achieve. Now that’s the true spirit of horsemanship! 🐎