When I was five, I began taking horseback riding lessons in southwest Virginia during the summer. For the next ten years, I continued riding, and also began to volunteer at the barn. Every summer, I would look forward to waking up at 8 in the morning so that I could get to the barn. The barn was a therapeutic riding barn, meaning that it taught people with mental and/or physical disabilities how to ride horses.
In the mornings, other volunteers and I would help with various groups who visited for riding lessons. In the afternoon, we would either help out with regular lessons, or enjoy free riding time. Growing up riding horses taught me so much about myself, and about life.
1. You are capable of more than you think.
Sometimes, we underestimate ourselves and our abilities. I never thought I would be able to tack up a horse on my own, or win first place at a horse show, but I achieved both of these things. All it takes is faith and hard work. Instead of putting your efforts toward doubting yourself, picture yourself being successful.
2. When you fall, you have to get back up.
When I was about ten years old, I fell off a pony. (It's okay to laugh.) After this experience, I was scared to back on a horse. I worried about falling off again, and avoiding going to the barn for a few weeks. There is a common mantra in the horse world that has seeped into everyday talk--that if you fall, you've got to get back in the saddle.
Failure can be devastating, however we must overcome our fears in order to accomplish anything. I got back on the horse (and pony), and could not be happier.
3. Fake it until you make it.
You know how they say animals can smell fear? Well, this is true. And trust me, you do not want an animal that weighs hundreds of pounds to think that you are afraid of it, and therefore have no control. The minute you sit in the saddle, you have to be confident and fearless...and if you aren't, then you have to at least give the horse the impression that you are. Sometimes in riding, just like in life, you have to pretend you have things under control until you actually do.
4. Slow down.
Hold your horses! All of us constantly have millions of things on our to-do list, and we often forget to take a break from our responsibilities. When you're out in the field on a horse, its just the two of you. You have time to relax and listen to nature, as well as bond with the horse. We all need to have time where we chill out and forget the piles of work that we have to do, otherwise we will drive ourselves insane.
5. Teamwork makes the dream work.
We all need a little bit of help from our friends sometimes. Not only do riders have to be a team with their horses, but they also have to work well with other riders and volunteers. Everyone has needed a leg-up to get on his or her horse, and there is no shame in that. In order for things to go smoothly, we sometimes need help from other people. We should never be ashamed to ask because we can achieve much more as a group than we can as one person.
6. There is nothing like the bond between a human and a horse.
When you ride a horse, you have a connection that supersedes verbal communication. Both of you have to work together in order for everything to go right. You will only get as much out of a horse as you put in. Once that bond is made, however, it can't be broken. You and the horse will be attached forever, and you will always cherish your time together.
Growing up around horses shaped me into who I am today, and I recommend that everyone go horseback riding at least once. It will be one of the most freeing and rewarding experiences of your life.
