I’ve been a bit nostalgic and keep thinking back to the days when we jumped on our horses and rode around the field with our friends and the only way to capture that moment was through your eyes? What happened to that? All I see now are videos of people riding because they have posted it on whichever social media platform is most convenient. You don’t need a camera to catch those your first strides of canter or a fun trail ride with your closest friends because the experience should be memorable enough that you can still feel those same emotions to this day.

Recently, I went to the annual I Love New York Horse Show in Lake Placid, NY where various levels of riders come to challenge themselves and their horses by competing against some of the greats such as Peter Leone who is an Olympic silver medalist. We took a tour of the show grounds and I was appalled at the number of riders I saw on their phones while riding from the arenas to the barns. A few of us in the group were almost taken out because riders were not paying attention. As helpful as technology has been, there are some areas in life where you should put the phone down and truly appreciate the moment. Riding is one of those times.

I understand a lot of people want to video their ride from the saddle because they are beaming with pride of what they have accomplished in that lesson. Naturally, you want to share that success. I have been there, too, wanting to scream from the mountaintops about my accomplishments with my horse. The thing everyone needs to realize is no one understands the hours of work you put into that moment. As much as you want the audience to be excited for you or proud of you, they won’t be. It’s as simple as that.

The worst part about it all is when you take out your phone to video something or take a picture from the top of your horse, you’re robbing yourself of fully living in that moment. You are more concerned to show everyone what you are doing when the most anyone will think is “Cool, you’re riding!” Their perception is dramatically different from yours. If you want people to understand your work then continue to work with that animal until you get it perfected, then show and that, that is where your hard work and determination will be recognized.

Don’t ruin the moment with technology, put your phone down, and wholeheartedly enjoy your ride.