We're all motivated in different ways as equestrians. We have different goals, ambitions, passions.
And somewhere in all of those differences, the one thing we have in common with each other is the horse.
When I first started riding, I rode because I was obsessed with horses. I was 9 years old when I first got the chance to work with horses regularly; I started by volunteering to lead horses for a local handicapped riding program. It was enough for me to just be around those horses, not being able to ride them myself was never a deterrent for working with them in any way I could.
Eventually I did have the opportunity to take riding lessons; still, riding at that time was motivated by my desire to be around horses. I was horrible, having absolutely zero natural talent in that regard. But I worked hard to learn as much as I could. I didn't care about where I was riding, or what horse. I didn't compete and I didn't care.
Somewhere in my teens I started competing. It wasn't because I wanted to, but because I thought I had to. I was trying to dig my heels into running a horse business, and all the cool kids were doing it. No, not really, but I imagined that it was the thing you do when you run a horse business, you compete.
And I hated it. Every miserable moment I was at a show and couldn't wait for it to be over and go home. I did very well, surprisingly; because I entered every show arena so stressed out and tired I had practically given up on the idea of placing let alone winning. But winning a class or a trophy felt empty and boring. It was a distraction that interfered with the relationship I wanted to have with my horses. It wasn't me.
But what I learned through those times of showing up to a competition and trudging through was that I wasn't alone. The arena was full of people who hated competitions! The weren't showing because they genuinely enjoyed the process; they were there because they too felt for one reason or another the compulsion to compete.
I'm always trying to return to those first moments when I started riding, when just walking into the barn and filling my nostrils with the unmistakable smell of horses was enough, and anything else was unexpected and invoked a feeling of humble gratitude towards the horse.
Now I ride for myself, and for my horse. Those are the only things that matter in the saddle. Other riders, trainers, judges — they're unimportant.
Who are you riding for?
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I absolutely and selfishly ride for me, myself and I. BUT I try to be as fair and consistent and even kind to my horse, as I can. I have the utmost respect for his feelings and ideas. I feel he’s entitled to them. If they differ from mine (and they will !) I try to change them by letting trying them out, and finding out my deal is sweeter. But basically I ride because it makes me oblivious to absolutely everything else, and I feel 100% myself in the saddle, and in the moment. Can’t say that about many activities.
I started real late in life riding horses. I had lessons etc fell off and broke my back from a school horse. No matter the hurt, confidence gone.. I was hooked. If I can touch and smell a horse, well I am in heaven. I always fell guilty for not riding much… Was told I am wasting my horse…With time, hard work and the right horse, I love riding with my mare. Do I want more then that? Nope, my girl and I ate working real hard at having fun and little stress… God I love them
I have always, and forever will, ride for the relationship with my horse. I did compete, and I was lucky enough to have a couple of horses who really loved their jobs and were just as happy to do it in competition as at home. I also had a mare who was a dream to ride, but hated going away from home – so I settled for not competing her.
I still have that magical feeling, when I enter the barn … and I hope never to lose it. At the moment I have two horses who are home bodies, who hate to travel – and with them I will probably just enjoy our rides and relationship at home. But I also have two adventurers, who like seeing new sites, and act calm, relaxed and curious. I hope, as they develop, to return to a comfortable level of competing – no pressure, just enjoying the challenge.
Love reading your pieces, Erica!!
Hi Lia,
That’s awesome, and thank you so much for sharing!
I like to help the horse be physically and mentally improved so that life isn’t so scary..that being said, I like horses for how they change me and make me relate better to those who do not think or act as I do.
Thanks for sharing Ann!
I’m with you on the wonderful changes horses have encouraged in me over the years; not sure I would’ve found my way to the path I’m on now without their unwavering input. 🙂
Hello
When I first started riding, I rode because my whole family loves horses. So horses obsessed me since I was born. I was 5 years old when I rode the first time. One year later I got my own horse. Her name was Magic. When my sister and I got this horse, it was decorated with a red bow. We were very happy. We already had 2 horses, one of my father and one of my sister. Before I got my own horse, I rode on a horse of the range. After I got my horse, I rode 3 times a week. Normally one time a week I took riding lessons and 2 times a week I took them for a walk in the woods. Unfortunately Magic died after some years because she was very old. Some days later I already bought a new horse. She is a Tinker, a horse with a white and black coat. She is very cute.
I do horse riding because by the horses you feel very relaxed. You don’t have to think about anything you just ride. I think you can see your horse as a friend. You can tell them everything and they won’t tell it to anybody. It’s possible to create a relationship between you and you’re horse. It may sound weird because a horse isn’t a boyfriend but you can trust each other. So I’m riding for the special connection between my horse and I.
Thanks for sharing Brenthe! 🙂