Yes, It's a Sport

Equestrians need to have the concentration and ability to judge distance like a golfer, the strength and stamina of a hockey player, and the artistic flow and ability to make a hard thing look easy and elegant like a ballerina.

The video below shows some of the raw immense strength horses have. Being an equestrian is an adrenaline rush – no matter what discipline you are doing. There are no words to explain the feeling when everything clicks, and the horse understands what you are asking, and obeys. You suddenly have the trust of this graceful animal ten times your size and the ability to move as one.

People may think this is an individual sport but that is far from true. Not only are we a team in riders who compete to represent our farm, but also as a team with the four-legged 1200 pounds of power that carries us. There is a saying, which yes, is over used, but never the less true. 

“In riding a horse we borrow freedom”.

Unless you’re a rider, there is no way of fully understanding what this means. I can have the worst day, whether that’s being angry, hurt, stressed or restless, but when I reach the saddle and climb 16 hands high, my mind goes blank. I pick up the reigns and now my focus is this 1200 pounds of animal beneath me. What kind of mood is he in? Is he listening? Put my leg on, take some contact with the bit in his mouth, and off we go. No more thoughts of anger or stress, but just pure focus on what I’m asking him to do and how is he responding.

If you want to be successful in this industry, take every opportunity you have to learn. The great thing is – this industry is full of opinionated people. Everyone has a different experience and a different story to tell. When it comes to horses and the equine lifestyle you will never know all. There is always something to learn.