The Struggles of Being #AdultAmmyStrong

Lately I've been featuring a lot of the A-curcuit riders, but not all adult amateurs ride at that level; some are weekend warriors; others show on the local circuit; and some ride with no aspirations to show. All of these riders, no matter the level, are equal and I want to make sure each has a chance to have their voice heard. 

A friend of mine, and former barn mate, Lauren has an adorable young anglo-arab named Hall that Glytters (barn name, Dacus). To her, like a lot of us, #AdultAmmyStrong is more than a mind set, it's a way of life. However, sometimes as we all know, it can be a struggle.  

​Read more from Lauren...

 I cannot think of a better meme to describe the struggles of being #adultammystrong.

Because let’s face it, money is a huge part of owning, riding and competing horses. Don't get me wrong, my horse is worth every red cent I pour into him. He brings balance to my life, and I honestly do not have a clue what I would do if I didn’t ride. Which is why this particular picture always makes me laugh.

The way I see it, riding and caring for horses is an addiction, and one I am very happy to have and admit to. If you have ever watched a TV show depicting the life of a drug addict, really we are not that different. I find myself digging through Rubbermaid’s of old tack to sell just to get one more lesson, one more training ride, or one more class at the local schooling show. As I handed my trainer a fist full of wadded up cash the other day, I could not help but laugh as I said “This should get me through this weekend, let me know if I owe you anymore.”  I have seen less sketchy drug deals on Cops reruns.   

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So was buying the horse of my dreams the best financial decision of my life...probably not, but because we love it, we find ways, sometimes not easy ways, to make it work. 

​While you will never see me in the warm up ring at WEF, you will always find me at the barn. I guess “barn rat” habits die hard, and I would not have it any other way. ​

Happy riding,