Horses and life

I remember hearing this somewhere: “If you’re having a bad day, hug your horse.”

Horses have this guiding way about them. No, we can’t communicate through words like we do with each other but they truly understand. There’s this feeling of freedom to just BE when you’re with a horse.

I’ve hugged my horse on a bad day, and it’s the most comforting feeling when they tuck their head around in a sort of “hug.” I remember I was really scared to go to college, and the night before left, I came out to the barn and hugged Rebel. We didn’t talk (well, I did and he’s a pretty good listener) but he seemed to understand. His easy breaths and calm nature brought me comfort under the stars.

Some of my happiest moments have been with horses, of course! I grew up riding with my sisters on our farm and then proudly going to shows. In my early years, I was the sturdy groom: sweeping the barn? I loved it! Retrieving ribbons after a class? That was me! I was so proud to be Katie and Rachel’s little sister, and when it came my time to show, I was ready to live up to their example.

I still show, and it’s a great feeling to walk out of the ring with a win, but I’m not as happy about the awards as I am with the joy and confidence horses have brought my life.

I can trot in a show ring and put on an “everyone look at me and my champion” face… Even if just a few minutes ago my steed was being a pill-and-a-half in the warm-up ring.