Some people find their passions late in life-- while others find it at a very young age. I was one of those people who found their passion at the age of eight years old, before I truly understood what I was getting myself into.

I wanted, like every little girl, to ride horses. I thought they were pretty and that it would be fun. Little did I know that it would become my greatest passion in life and something I still continue to do to this day. What I had very little awareness for at this time, was the cost of my newfound passion. All I cared about was being around horses and riding as often as I could. What I did not see was the financial strain this put on my family and how hard they worked to cover it up. They saw how happy I was and wanted to give me the world.

I did not remain under this bubble for long. My talents began to grow and my instructors wanted more for me. I learned at a very young age that I was limited in how far I could go in the horse world. I had to come to terms with the fact that I would never own my own horse or show in the 'A; circuit.

At first, it crushed me and I was bitter about it. I wouldn't let it show to anyone except myself, but I struggled with that reality every single day.

After some time I learned to be happy with what I had and gained a whole new perspective on riding because of my situation. I never took any moment for granted and I learned how to do virtually everything with horses. I worked for my lessons, assisted the show horses, worked camps, and so much more. I immersed myself in everything I possibly could because to me, being around horses was all that truly mattered.

12 years later I continue to ride and have never shown an 'A' circuit or Class 'A' show. For a long time I believed my showing days to be over, until I joined the SVSU Equestrian Team. The beauty of the college circuit is that you do not need to own a horse and it is relatively affordable. Being apart of this team reinvigorated my passion for horses and my love of showing and competing.

Being apart of a sport that is too expensive can be really hard sometimes. For a long time it disheartened me and caused me some depression. To this day, when people ask me if I own my own horse, I still cringe inside just a little bit. That aspect will never change, but I would also never take back my experiences. I learned more than I could have ever dreamed and grew so much as a person through those experiences. I had an amazing role model/instructor who helped inspire me and gave me hope for the future. It made me truly thankful for what I have and made the sport all the more special in my eyes. Horses became more to me than words can describe and every day I spent at the barn were some of the best days of my life.

I will never give up on my dream of owning my own horse in the future. If there is a little girl out there reading this, never give up on your dreams and try to see the positive side of it all. You just have to make the best of your situation and take every opportunity that life gives you; remember, there is always a place for you around horses.