Is our sport in trouble?  There seem to be fewer riders out there.  At least, fewer of them are at the A shows.

Serena Williams’ Nike ad during the Oscars was a show stopper for me, as for many women.  Dream Crazier.  Williams speaks powerfully about how we women are told our dreams are unattainable, crazy, delusional—and that we should give them up—or at least lower our expectations. 

Recently one of my clients exclaimed, “maybe I’m just too old to be doing this.” This person is not old by any means; her comment emerged from her sense of guilt for enjoying the horses so much and wanting to continue to show ‘at her age.’ I wanted to exclaim—what, too old? Are you kidding me? (She’s at least a decade younger than I am!)

Forty eight lucky riders were treated to the NorCal Hunter Jumper Association’s clinic with superstar grand prix rider and trainer Mandy Porter. The clinic, which was really two clinics spanning over two days each, was hosted by Leone Equestrians in Sacramento from November 29-December 2, 2018.

I used to ride scared. I still do sometimes, but now I’ve made better friends with fear. Not perfect friends, mind you, but better friends. After all these years, we’re still getting to know each other. Most of the riders who come to me for help are wrestling with some form of fear: going too fast, jumping too high, falling off, missing a distance, going off course, not being perfect. 

A few months ago, I attended a year end medal finals with my youngest daughter.  Similar to all medal finals, it’s a big deal.  Riders have worked all year and are eager to display their well honed skills.  Trainers are amped up too, of course.  There is a lot of pressure not only because it’s the finals, but also because there is an age limit.  For a lot of riders, this will be their last chance to grab this particular win.  Hence, the pressure is on. 

I think I speak for most amateur and junior riders:  we don’t get nearly enough time with our horses!  Barn time is wedged between work, school and family commitments.  Many riders not-so-jokingly refer to barn time as their ‘therapy.’  Why is that?  I think it’s because horses invite us—really require us—to leave behind all the busy-ness of our lives and be right there with them.

I’m not a big believer in New Year’s resolutions.  I aim to live each day to its fullest and bring my best self to every decision and moment. Nonetheless, the turn of the calendar offers us an invitation to step back and reflect on where we’ve been and where we want to go. For me, 2017 served up plenty of change and with that change an opportunity to realign my priorities and my path for 2018.