The Best Place on Earth

The one place in the universe that makes me feel the most comfortable and happy is in the saddle, on my horse's back. Although the time I spend riding my horse, Mac, is far from perfect, the challenges and tests he propose still give me a thrill like no other. With three different speeds and moments of flying through the air, being in the saddle gives me a sense of freedom and accomplishment because it makes the impossible, possible. For me to be able to physically control Mac, my 1100 pound animal, I've developed serious leg muscles. The size of my muscles actually make me very self-conscious, but I've learned to embrace them as a symbol of my strength and dedication to the sport. Despite the wildness of this adventure and the physical demands of the sport, riding horses has also taught me to find my center; within my own body and my surroundings. Every rider must establish a strong connection with any horse they get on, making it a mental and physical activity. Working with Mac is similar to working with any people because each time I ride him, he has his own opinions and preferences. Being able to adapt to rapidly changing situations, I need to be mentally strong as well. I have to function as the logical brain for the both of us. 

The most jaw-dropping and amazing thing about horses is that your brain controls their brain, regardless of whether you signaled any message. I have learned that they respond from your energy. One day I had stayed up to 3:30 AM doing homework and was extremely tired. Even though I felt okay, Mac could tell that I was exhausted and weaker than usual. They are natural readers of body language which is why some horses can become a method of therapeutic riding. My ability to trust Mac is a key component of the success of my riding, similar to the way a disabled person can trust their therapeutic riding horse.Although it is hard for me to trust Mac, having the patience to do so has changed my ability to interact with people.    

Since riding truly requires the exercise of the brain and body, the people at the barn I have began picking up yoga classes. These classes help because the riding requires harmony, balance and as I mentioned earlier, a connection. I actually find yoga to be as difficult as some riding because it requires a lot of flexibility that I've lost from the extreme muscle gain. The balance between strength and grace is what makes something so demanding on the body so peaceful. Once you've reached this state of equilibrium, it is like magic and is almost surreal.

In addition, my participation in a countless number of shows along the East Coast has made me a part of a family. I share a lot of the same ideas and feelings as the other girls that have the same passion as I do. Every horse is different but we all have the same drive. But, one drawback of the sport is the exorbitant price tag. Everything is extremely expensive and for me, this is a bittersweet reality because the price eats up the wallet, but has provided me with the opportunity to get a job and learn responsibility. Many Saturdays, I have to wake up before 6:30 AM to get to work. I've sacrificed having a normal teenage life, however, the benefits make myself and my family proud. 

Marshall & Sterling National Finals 2014

Children's Hunter (3')

My favorite place is on my horse which comes with strength, drive, harmony and family.