One of my favorite things about this sport is that even though I’ve ridden most of my life, there’s always a new lesson to be learned every time I swing my leg over the saddle. It could be something as simple as learning how to better listen to what my horse is trying to tell me, or it could be learning how to ride a completely different discipline all together.
Step Out of the Comfort Zone
Now that my horse is back to work after our scary colic surgery setbacks in 2023 (learn more about real horse owners’ colic-surgery experiences—including my own—on page 40), I’m starting to branch out of my comfort zone to improve as a rider.
And that means doing things that scare me. Not in a dangerous I-shouldn’t-be-doing-this kind of scary. But by bringing a horse I’ve started from day one completely on my own to a well-respected trainer’s barn to get help. I was terrified of showing up and looking like I didn’t belong there.
But do you know what happened instead? I learned new riding techniques that were better tailored to fit my horse’s needs. A trainer encouraged me to take my leg off my horse in the spin so she could learn how to find the answer herself. Then I was reminded that my calf was still on her side, even when I thought my leg was completely off.
That one-hour lesson set me up for success at home. I left with plenty of homework to keep me busy until the next time I’m able to go out there. It gave me new ways to help my horse build the strength she needs to compete in a physically demanding event like reining. And I felt so encouraged that by the time I pulled the trailer into the driveway and unloaded my horse, I was ready to schedule my next lesson.
Get Inspired
It’s easy to stay in your comfort zone and ride around the arena at home by yourself—especially if you don’t have a truck and trailer. (Trust me, I get it. I was in that position for years!) But if you can ride with a trainer for a day, tag along with a friend to a clinic, or even just sit in the warm-up pen at a horse show, you might find yourself feeling inspired the next time you swing your leg over the saddle.
In This Issue
In the meantime, Horse&Rider is here to help you on your horsemanship journey. As you flip through this issue, you’ll find top training and health advice from the industry’s most trusted professionals to help you prepare for spring riding. If you’re itching to hit the trail, we have tips to help you navigate tricky terrain. And as you plan your budget for 2025, check out page 48 to learn six horse-related money moves to help manage your horse life.
Be sure to visit Ride TV (ridetvgo.tv) to check out the new masterclasses we’re releasing this year. Whether you’re prepping for your first ranch riding competition, getting involved in ranch sorting, or looking to build a strong foundation for trail riding, we have a video series for you.
