Category: Uncategorized
Riding isn’t a sport… or is it?
“Riding isn’t a sport,” the article reads. “YA? Well you try to control a 1200 lb horse with your pinkie,” the meme retorts. “Why doesn’t Valegro get the medal? He did all of the work?” “Oh my gosh. If you think riding is so easy, why don’t you come ride my horse? He’ll show you how hard it is!” These are the conversations … Read More Riding isn’t a sport… or is it?
A relationship built on trust…
We have all been in a trust exercise at some point in our lives. The boss of your latest employment gathers your coworkers, or the RA your freshman year of college gathered your fellow undergrads. They talk of how trust is so essential in the functionality of your “team” – and whether that is in selling medical supplies, or being a cohesive unit of … Read More A relationship built on trust…
Love the one you’re with…
I went on vacation last week, and as a guilty pleasure, I picked up one of my moms romance novels. It was titled “Love The One You’re With” and by Emily Giffin. About a woman who reconnects with an old lover and through a tumultuous summer, contemplates leaving her nice, comfortable, and lovely husband for the thrill of the ex. A man that brought … Read More Love the one you’re with…
Cross train
I got the text message last week. “Do you want to run barrels after you’re done judging the hunter show?” My friend Amy wrote. I was traveling back to my old stomping grounds of the Crawford County fairgrounds to judge her Denim and Dust Hunter Schooling Show, a part of their Weekend Extravaganza. Hunters on Saturday, Poles, Barrels and Keyhole Saturday night, and all … Read More Cross train
A Barn Family
I can remember the woman striding towards me down the cement aisle way, the heels of her paddock boots clinking with each step. Her bright blue eyes squinting into the dark of the interior of a barn, and her black hair swinging along with her hips. She pounded the pavement to my location, hovering in my horses stall. “What are you doing? Why do … Read More A Barn Family
A new perspective
A few weeks ago I wrote about the equine neglect case occurring right here in the Horse Capitol of the World. Immediately after the news stories, the social media posts, and the blogs came out, numerous comments were left underneath of that fact that more aftercare was needed in the racing industry. That we need to do better in taking care of our own. … Read More A new perspective
For the Love of the Horse
I got the text message yesterday afternoon. I had known about the neglect case for quite some time, and my good friend Carrie Gilbert had been in the thick of it for months. A horse named Silver Cliff that she had rehomed for a friend was located at the farm, and was in bad shape. For months Carrie had been speaking with anyone she … Read More For the Love of the Horse
A life unfolding.
I’ve never met her, but I know him. I don’t know if she likes vanilla or chocolate ice cream. Or if she prefers rap music over country. I have never asked her if her parents are married or divorced. But I know that he hates flower pots. I know that it took two weeks to convince him to eat sweet feed. I know that his … Read More A life unfolding.
Hack It Out
I was at a dressage show a few weeks ago, and after schooling in the ring on Friday night, I took Nixon for a hack around the Kentucky Horse Park. This is pretty standard for how we work, with a good ride being rewarded with a loose rein. Nixon enjoys it, it recharges his brain, and it restores my inner cowgirl-getting me out of … Read More Hack It Out
When Opposites Attract
I was meandering down the lane-way, sitting astride a pony that I didn’t own and didn’t particularly care for, when I looked up and smiled. Because what I saw was a testament to so many things. Friends on friends. Good horses that persevere. Humans that persevere for them. My girlfriends had asked to go for a hack, and I quickly agreed – acknowledging that … Read More When Opposites Attract
Hunters for Dummies: One Eventers Guide to the World of Draw Reins, Samshields, and Pearls
So an eventer, a dressage rider, and a hunter walk into a bar….Just kidding. It was just me. I walked into the bar. Only the bar was my home, and the bartender was my boyfriend. Too broke to afford a real drink, or a designer beer — the money had been drained from my account into the pockets of Hunterland. And as I grabbed … Read More Hunters for Dummies: One Eventers Guide to the World of Draw Reins, Samshields, and Pearls
A letter to my 15 year old (barnrat) self…
I just turned 30 this year. And yet 30 – while it sounds so old — feels so good. When I was 15, I thought that by 30 I would be an accomplished veterinarian, a phenomenal and competitive rider. Married with two kids, and a mega mansion with a 15 stall barn. I thought that I would be married to Leonardo DiCaprio, and that … Read More A letter to my 15 year old (barnrat) self…
A Yankee in Paris 
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