The part of me I don’t share enough
I think it’s time I shared more of this side of me on here. If you have a story similar to mine, I’d love to hear it in the comments.
Growing up with a passion for horses but limited resources can be a challenging experience. Like many, I never had the privilege of riding top-tier show ponies; instead, my journey began with auction horses and project ponies that required patience and dedication to understand and train. This taught me valuable life skills and a deep appreciation for every small progress made. For years, the dream of competing with a magnificent, well-trained horse seemed out of reach due to financial constraints. I often found myself wondering how far I could have gone if I'd had the means to pursue formal lessons or own a horse bred for competition. The reality is, horse riding is a costly sport, and balancing passion with practical finances often means sacrifices. Like many horse lovers, life’s demands led me away from the saddle for over a decade, focusing on education and work to afford keeping a beloved OTTB (off-the-track thoroughbred). During this period, I held onto the dream quietly, never truly giving up on the possibility of returning to riding competitively. Returning to the saddle after 13 years was a turning point. It rekindled the joy and determination that had been there all along. Being older and financially independent means making deliberate choices, but it also opens new doors to pursue long-awaited dreams on my own terms. For anyone in a similar situation, remember that the journey is unique and valuable in itself. The ups and downs, the projects and the cheap auction finds, shape your riding experience and character. Dreams may pause, but they don’t have to end. With perseverance, resourcefulness, and passion, it’s possible to rewrite your story and see just how far you can go—even starting with a $250 project horse.
