In sixth grade, I started to compete in horseback riding. At the time, it was such a small part of my life. I knew nothing; you could say the words “Junior Hunter” and I would have no idea what you were talking about. But as the years went on, I continually got more and more serious about horseback riding. It was my passion. I always loved being at the barn because I adored my horses more than anything. I wanted to live at the barn when I was younger because I loved it so much.
From spending so much time at the barn, I have taken away so many important values and lessons, and I continue to learn more each and every day.
Responsibility
Having your own horses means you have to be responsible for them. You have to make sure they are clean, they have food and water, they aren’t too hot or cold, and more. They relied on me for all of these things, and as a small 12-year-old, I had to learn how to do all of this quickly.
Time Management
Horseback riding is an extremely time-consuming activity. I never spend any less than two hours at the barn. Horseback riding isn’t just get on and go. I have to clean my horse, tack him up, warm him up, and then I ride. And after I have to untack him, clean him again, and then I can put him away. The most time consuming parts are horse shows though. Hurry up and wait.
Patience
With an animal with a mind of its own, patience is definitely key. My horse might not understand what I want at some points, so I need to be patient with him in order to succeed. Patience also definitely comes at the show ring. When you show up at a horse show at 6 a.m. and get there and find out you don’t show until 5 p.m., you have to be patient and understand that it is just a part of riding. You also have to be patient with winning. No one wins all the time; you must wait your turn and work harder and harder until you actually get there.
Prioritizing
Throughout my life, I have had to choose between riding and my social life many times. Horse shows are always on the weekends, and this means that I don’t have time to go out and party with my friends. If I want to succeed, I have to prioritize and understand that when the choice comes down to it, I won’t always be able to have riding as a part of my life. My friends will always be there, and I may be missing out on one weekend, but there’s always next weekend.
Sportsmanship
When I was younger, I had absolutely zero sportsmanship. My first horse show was the biggest horse show in all of New Jersey. I was only competitively riding for a few months, so it was a big deal. I got a 3rd and a 4th and I was extremely upset. I believed that I should have won. But getting a 3rd and a 4th out of 40 people really was not bad at all. Today, I compete in one of the most competitive divisions with some of the most expensive horses. I don’t always win, and that’s okay. As long as I know I did my best, I’m extremely happy. And although it may be unfair that another person won because their horse costs more than mine, I still need to be happy for them that they won.
Bravery
I have been asked many times over the past few years if I was crazy. Getting on a 1,200 pound animal with a mind of its own? Okay, fine, it might be a little crazy. But I’ve become so dependent and trusting of my horses that it’s a normal thing for me now. Recently, I fell off a horse and broke my collarbone, and people asked me how I ever got back on. Things happen. I know how dangerous my sport is. But I love it so much that it doesn’t faze me at all. Being brave is what riding is all about.
Hard Work
There will never be a point in my riding life that I am not getting better. A person gets better everyday they ride, but hard work must be put in. Winning doesn’t just come naturally. It comes with no stirrup work, hours upon hours of riding horses that do not want to cooperate, and failing way more than succeeding. In order to succeed, hard work must be put in, and it may not always be fun.
Organization
I must be organized at all times, especially at a horse show. I have to look at the schedule a day in advance, do the math to try to figure out what time my division will start, see when I am in the division, and base my day off of that. I have to be ready with my hunt coat on, boots shined, crop in hand, and ready to go. The show ring won’t wait for me. I have to be fully organized and prepared for just two minutes of the day.
The Value of Money
Horseback riding is an expensive sport. I feel grateful every day for the privilege I have of being able to have a horse, ride at a great barn, and have all the clothing and whatnot I need in order to look my sharpest.
Horseback riding is what makes me who I am. Without it, I would be a completely different person. I’m the luckiest girl in the world that I have been able to grow up with a passion and something I love to do, and it taught me lesson after lesson.
