It's ok...

Lately I've seen some talk on social media about being an adult amateur equestrian and the challenges many of us face - college courses, work schedules and other [sometimes major] life events that can reduce our time in the saddle or prevent us from riding all together.  

Here are some of the things I've come across.

I...

• only can ride once a week.
• jump small courses.
• haven't ridden in years because of [insert life event].
• only show on the local circuit.
• don't show at all.
• stopped riding so my children could enjoy horses.
• don't lease or own and only ride lesson horses*. 

(*I'll talk more about this a little later on..)

And you know what...

IT'S OK!

There are no set "rules" to how your life in the saddle -- and out of it for that matter -- should go. Remember, your hard work now, in college, or beginning your career or family, is a starting point to getting you where you want to be in life. They may seem like small steps now, but one day you'll look back and realize just how far you've come and be proud of that. Be proud of who you are now, and who you are working to become.

My two cents

When it comes to not being able to own or lease, and only riding lesson horses, think of it this way: we all started out riding lesson horses and they've helped shape us into the riders we are today...and it's ok that they continue to teach us and help us become more adaptive riders.
​
Being able to ride a multitude of different kinds of horses is great for your riding. Having the ability to: keep the 'kick and spur ride' in front of your leg and in a consistent, forward pace; steady the fence rusher; get the refuser over the fence (even if it's after several refusals); ride different jump styles and bascules; and to ride them all well is a great talent to have.

So I believe that riding lesson horses can be a great asset to your riding!

All too true. We've all ridden these types of lesson horses.

photo credit: Pinterest

And so...

​​There is no right or wrong when it comes to this adventure we call life. The most important thing you can do is prioritize what matters most to you at that point in your life and do what makes you happy. 

And know you are not alone; there are many other adult amateurs making up the “rules” as they go. ​

Happy riding,