Page 101 - Wayne County

money to buy her, but as Patricia said, “She was worth every penny.” She added, “She struck me like a bolt of lightning - it was like she called my name.” Age of Aquarius was eighteen months old, very animated, and had a mind of her own. “It was love at frst sight,” Patricia remembers fondly,

After training Aquarius, however, Patricia just could not bring herself to sell her - Aquarius had become her best friend. Therefore, Sonny and Patricia changed their business plan.

Keeping Age of Aquarius, she also accumulated several more horses. “Horses just came to me,” she stated, “I loved them in whatever state they were in and nursed them back to health, helping them overcome hurdles, whether injury or old age.” With her reputation as a horse lover, she never had to go looking. After 31 years in the classroom and a “Teacher of the Year” title, Patricia retired from teaching to work full-time in her outdoor classroom, “where the bugs bite when the wind isn’t blowing,” as she describes it. Given her emotional connection to the horses, she began a unique leasing program for children who were not be able to afford to buy, house, or appropriately care for a horse, yet are learning to ride. “When children learn to ride at a young age it helps them grow into more loving and thoughtful adults,” Patricia clarifed. “Horses have specifc temperaments and characteristics just like humans. When a child learns a horse, he or she must learn to discern, understand, and read that horse to have the best riding relationship.” Not satisfed to merely give lessons and train young horses, Patricia also started an after school program. Children complete their homework, and then learn all aspects of caring for and riding horses. She explained,

“I went to Sea Island Stables after school every day, and I want the children in Jesup to have the same experience.”

Patricia’s horses have even shown to have a benefcial impact on children with special needs. “Horses can have a very positive infuence on people - they are strong animals that have had monumental roles in our history.” As one example, Robert E. Lee credits his horse, Traveller, for helping him to remain confdent in himself and his military goals. Likewise, Patricia considers it an honor to work with these children. “My horses, both full-grown and miniatures have had a great infuence in helping special needs individuals gain confdence in themselves,” she said with great pride. Impacting her world through pursuing her passion!

Wildwood stables, a part-time venture begun by one family in 1971, remains a family run business to this day. Sonny, Patricia, their children, Elizabeth Anne and Randall, and the three granddaughters are all involved, from riding and helping in the barn, to providing support where needed.

From winning that frst ribbon at eleven, through being named “Teacher of the Year,” by simply pursuing her passion Patricia has made a mark on the world around her. Having served as a Georgia Horse Council board member, the University of Georgia Equestrian board, and through her work with special needs children, Patricia continues to inspire. “I have just always loved horses,” she closes. A simple statement, but by loving horses - by pursuing her passion - she was better able to love people and to serve them.

Pursue your passion - impact the world.  WCM