Celebrating Three Years Connecting the Adult Amateur Equestrian Community

Today is a special day.

Today marks the anniversary of the creation of such an amazing platform that has helped inspire, connect and support the adult amateur equestrian community. 

From the start where I was horseless, to horse shopping and my first days with Wow, his health issues & rehoming him, to moving, leasing and riding confidently again, you've all experienced this journey with me and I can't imagine it any other way!

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On this day, three years ago, I launched #AdultAmmyStrong not really knowing what to expect or where this journey would lead. All I knew is that I wasn't alone in the struggles of being a working adult amateur equestrian; and because I wasn't alone in the struggles, we shouldn't be alone in our times of triumph. 

The adult amateur equestrian community is a tough-as-nails, supportive and encouraging group of equestrians doing their best for the animals and sport they love. So much time and effort (and money!) goes into horsemanship, riding, and showing as an adult. We take lunch breaks at the barn to hold our horse for the farrier, or to be there for the vet appointment. We forego family vacations so we can save money to add one more show to the schedule this year, or to afford yet another vet bill. We have such loving and supportive spouses, family and friends, some of whom may not fully understand our passion, but they're happy knowing that horses make us happy. 

We owe it to ourselves to look around once in a while and revel in what we do and how we do it. No, it's not always glamorous horse shows & blue ribbons. It's about those times when your horse nickers to you, spending hours at the barn with friends, sunny Sunday hacks around the property, and that ear-to-ear grin on your face leaving the ring with your best friend after a great show (whatever that means to you, blue ribbon or not!). 

#AdultAmmyStrong wouldn't be the amazing community it is without each and every one of you who likes/follows on social media, who comments with encouraging words during both the good and bad time to someone whom you may have never met, who tag your posts, and all of you who rep your #AdultAmmyStongPride.

You're all so amazing and I'm so happy to have made these wonderful connections and provided opportunities to curate and engage in conversations that may not have been possible without the support of the adult amateur equestrian community.

As much  #AdultAmmyStrong is here to support and encourage the adult amateur community, each of you have supported and encouraged me on my personal journey more than I could have ever imagined....and for that I am eternally grateful! 

Cheers to many more years in the saddle!

Happy riding!

credit: Priceless Photo (Richmond, Va.)