Loving Life as an Adult Amateur Equestrian

We make decisions every day to make our lives what we want them to be. We work hard to have what we have and even harder to get what we want. We do the things we do because we want to and have a passion for them. Ok, so we do some things because we have to (#adulting!), but mostly we do what we do because we find joy and fulfillment from it. These passions allow us to thrive in multiple areas of life to be a well-rounded and happy person. And if what you do doesn't, then it's time to analyze where you are and the future you want for yourself. Not too long ago I had a moment where I realized, 'this isn't where I want to be,' and took a good look at what I could do be more in love with my life. 

My life has been the epitome of how one should grow up - minus a few outliers of course. I graduated high school, moved away and went on to college. Graduated with a degree and began looking for a job. Well, I graduated college in 2009 in the height of the recession and had zero luck finding a decent paying job so I did what all college graduates loathed -- moved back in with mom and dad. After finding a part-time job in my field, I met who would soon become the love of my life. I quit my job and followed him to two different states all while holding down full-time jobs and getting back in the saddle, which taught me a lot about myself.

Now I'm married with three fur babies -- two dogs and a Thoroughbred -- and I love my life but I've been thinking about what I could to do be more in love with it. I often thought back to my pony days and how I dreamed of going to Auburn University for their equine program but was more specifically interested in equine kinesiology and biomechanics -- yes, even back then. I've always loved the way horses move, why some are better movers than others, and the conformation, bone and muscular structure behind injuries and lameness. However going to AU wasn't in the cards so I went the more "traditional" route and got a business degree. Now I'm not knocking my degree -- I loved the college I attended and wouldn't change my experiences there for anything -- but looking back, it's not what I really wanted.

Now I'm married with three fur babies -- two dogs and a Thoroughbred -- and I love my life but I've been thinking about what I could to do be more in love with it.

After riding again for a while I starting thinking about how I could use my current knowledge and background to begin a career in the equestrian industry. I racked my brain as to how I could leverage what I knew to get where I wanted to go. 

Some time passed and I was talking to a friend about the first show I took my lease horse Follow the Leader to in Tryon, NC back in 2013. Reminiscing, I remembered that was my first experience with equine sports massage. Leader's owner made the trip from Augusta, Ga. to watch us show and had him massaged between day one and two of the show. I remember how great, loose and supple he felt the next day. We ended up a few points away from reserve champion at our first show together, and his first show ever.

This talk got me thinking...equine sports massage therapist sounded like a great career opportunity. It would afford me more time for riding and family life all while bridging the gap between my business degree and my passion for equine body structure and movement. That started a journey that would turn my life around.

Every few months I would talk about it to my husband. And I was recently gifted the at-home course from Equissage and LOVE it. I have massaged Wow almost every week and noticed a decrease in his muscle tension and increase in suppleness and responsiveness to my aids. I've massaged friends' horses who have also reported great reactions during post-session rides. 

I am currently still working towards my certification and hope to have that complete by September. If you'd like to follow along with me on my equine sports massage journey you can on Facebook and Instagram. The website is under construction and will be updated when I'm fully certified.

Moral of the story...

If you're not happy with some aspect of your life, change it.

If you thought you'd be somewhere else by now, work hard to get there.

It's not up to other people to make you happy, that's your job and your's alone.

​Do what you must when you have to, but remember to treat yourself to things you enjoy.

Work hard. Life is too short to be anything but happy. 

​Happy riding,