Horseback riding has taught me countless life lessons and has shaped me into the person I am today. Here are some of the important lessons I learned from horseback riding.

1. Dedication

Equestrians do not have an “off” season. No matter the time of year, equestrians are always riding. Of course weather conditions cannot be helped sometimes, but even bad weather cannot stop some people. Riding also includes several weekends, early mornings, and long days but those who are dedicated to the sport do not mind these aspects. Dedication has taught me to pursue my passion and put my all into it. If you want to succeed in something, you have to give 100 percent and be ready to practice.

2. Patience

Getting frustrated while riding can lead to a decrease in progress. If your horse is unsure of what you are asking of him/her, patience is key. Getting frustrated can make the horse think he/she is doing something wrong or make them even more unsure of what you are asking. I have learned to be patient in life, especially with other people.

3. Trust

Riders must have a large amount of trust in their horses, their trainers, their abilities, and themselves . We understand we risk our lives every time we get on a horse, but if we have trust and put aside our doubts, we can have a more successful ride. Trusting other people can be hard, but I have found it easier to do after riding all of these years.

4. Teamwork

Unlike other sports, your teammate is a one-two thousand pound animal that cannot speak, but can understand your language. While this sounds impossible, it is in fact possible. Horse and rider are nothing less than teammates. When getting on different horses, we must adapt ourselves and our riding style to match the needs and style of the horse. This has taught me how to work with all different types of people and their different personalities.

5. Hard Work Pays Off

Whether you are learning a new skill, improving your skills, training a horse, or riding in a show, succeeding and accomplishing your goals, is the best feeling in the world. It may take months or even a year, but after all the practice and time put into accomplishing the goal, you will feel amazing. The best aspect about riding is that there is always something new to learn or improve upon. I have applied this mentality not only to my own riding but with all my goals I want to achieve in life.

6. Get Back Up When I Fall

Simply, this can be put as "never give up." Falling off a horse can be a very scary experience, but if you are able to get right back on, you should. This way you can overcome what has happened and improve from it. I have applied this mentality to several occasions in my life where I felt as if I had failed, but wanted to better the outcome next time.

7. Overcome Fears

This lesson goes hand in hand with number six. Trying something new in riding can be scary and intimidating, but once you do it successfully, your fear goes away. This has encouraged me to try and conquer all my fears in life.

8. Responsibility

No matter the weather, horses always need to be taken care of. They rely on us to provide them with food and water, and to keep their living space clean and sanitary. Not to say that they always enjoy being cleaned but we ensure that the he horses are groomed regularly. Even though the chores may be a lot of work, there are living animals relying on us. It has been the best way to learn responsibility in my life.

9. Nonverbal Communication

In riding, body language is key. A horse obviously cannot speak or understand us when we talk. That is why when riding or even just being around a horse, body language can be the only way to communicate. It has taught me to be aware of my body and really in tune to my actions. One wrong move, especially while riding, could give a horse a different cue or make them unsure of what you are asking of them.

10. Freedom

In riding horses, I have found my “happy place.” I believe everyone needs to find their own “happy place” so they know where to go when they need to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. When riding, I feel completely free and happy. Riding has shown me how to have fun and enjoy pursuing my passion. It has also given me self confidence and a purpose in life. Due to the generosity of the horses allowing us to sit on their backs, I have experienced what it truly means to fly and feel free. From this I have learned that it is essential for people to find their true calling in life for their own well-being. Riding has taught me many lessons and I am blessed to have grown up in a barn.