Leaving the nest is one of the most memorable milestones of your life. But, it can often be a sad one. Whether you attend college eight hours from home or just 30 minutes, living away from the people who raised you is a tough adjustment. Many college students who are leaving home for the first time experience homesickness. Some try to cope by utilizing regular phone calls or letters, or even by receiving periodic care packages filled with favorite familiar treats. However, to truly remain connected with home and the roots of the past, I brought along a furry family member to college, my horse that is.
Having a horse in middle and high school is completely different than owning one in college. Typically, your days consist of long hours spent at school, and ending with evening rides and lessons in preparation for upcoming horse shows. You have your school friends of course, but more importantly, you have your barn friends. These tend to be your closest friends, the ones with which you ride, show, and share a passion. Then of course, you have your trainer and, most importantly your horse. This is an entirely different community that you have immersed yourself in for the past five to ten years, possibly longer, and the idea of leaving it all behind is unimaginable.
Nevertheless, the day has come to decide where you will be attending college, and of course, your horse, a.k.a your trusty sidekick, will surely come along. Aside from packing for yourself, you also must assemble all necessary provisions for him.
He says goodbye to all of his pasture mates and you also bid farewell to your loving and supportive trainer as well as your loyal barn pals who are sadly going to school elsewhere.
The two of you arrive at an unfamiliar place filled with new faces, smells, and sounds. Your parents leave and now all you have left is your equine pal, your first friend in college.
Moving yourself and all of your belongings into a 200 square foot dorm room that you are forced to share with another person can cause drama, suffocation, and claustrophobia all at once. But, never fear, the barn isn’t too far. Bringing your horse to college was possibly your greatest idea as you now have a way to escape the stress and pressures of college life while retaining familiar ties.
Soon enough, you’ll find yourself well adjusted to your new chaotic life. Hopefully, you find yourself another trainer, nothing like yours from home of course who has watched you grow up, but nonetheless one who is ready to help you continue to mature. In addition, you’ll make new barn friends with whom you can easily and quickly relate, and they will become your best and most supportive friends during this time of your life. But, most importantly, you’ll have your horse who will be there for every tear and for every accomplishment you face during this four year roller coaster of your life.
