Gracie Girl Blog

I have been riding horses for almost 4 years now, and I can honestly say it’s been an experience different than anything else in my life. I love it more than I can express in words. The horses, the barn, the people I’ve met, EVERYTHING is so important to me.

There are a lot of assumptions people make about riders. They often have an image  in their head of what every rider does, whether it be race or rodeo. Some people think all riders are rich snobs, or that only cowboys do it.

Every rider is unique. Unique in how they go about riding, what their goals are and what place it has in their life. Most people just ride because they love it. For some it’s a hobby, for others, its more of a sport. To some people it’s something they can’t live without, and for others its a passing phase.

But I’ve never met someone my age views it like I do. Riding brings out my best and my worst. It’s what fuels my fire and at the same time threatens to ruin me. It’s all I want to do with my life, it’s my sport, it’s why I get up in the morning. There is nothing I would rather do.

People ask me if I play sports for my school. I will always answer no, and while I used to wish I could maybe do track or get back into soccer, I simply could not. Doing sports would mean a lot less riding (if not stopping altogether for the season). My heart would not allow it. Let me explain…

I know I love riding, but sometimes I forget how much space it takes up in my heart until there’s a lack of it. I usually ride twice a week. One lesson, and then on Saturdays I work for 3 hours and do a practice ride afterwards (being a working student has taught me so much, but more on that later). Sometimes I have to miss lessons or working when things come up and I cant’ get to the barn. I am always devastated when I have to miss lessons. Whether I can help it or not, it’s a big deal to me. Times like those I’m reminded how much I need my barn time. I need the escape. It’s how I stay sane. It’s how  I get through the week.

There’s one Saturday morning this past year that sticks out to me. I was exhausted from the school week. I had a bad cold and probably should have rested, not worked. But I couldn’t skip. I promised myself when I first started riding that I would never give up an opportunity to ride or go to the barn. Sitting in my dad’s car driving there, I felt content. Sure I felt sick and exhausted, but I was going to do what I loved. I sincerely believe that the health of your soul is more important and influential in life than the health of your physical body. I’m thankful I went to the barn that day because I know it gave me what I needed to brave through the coming week (which was guaranteed to be full of stress because hello it’s high school). It made my soul happy.

Horses are amazing creatures. I am so blessed and thankful to be able to work so closely with them. Being a horseback rider means having a unique conversation with every horse you ride. It’s an animal-human partnership like no other. In my 4 years of riding I’ve rode horses that became my best friends. I’ve also rode ones that were difficult. You have good moments. Maybe when your horse listens to you well or your transitions are really clean. You have bad moments. Frustrating rides when nothing seems to go right. Both ends of the spectrum is what has built me as a rider (I am nowhere close to perfect, and still have a lot of learning to do).

Priorities. I constantly hear “school should be your top priority.” And I understand why school is important, but I’d be lying if I told you it was my top priority. School is something I succeed in because I feel like I have to. Riding is something I want to succeed in. I’m 101% positive I was created to do it. It’s my calling. I’d be doing myself wrong if I didn’t recognize how important it is to my life.

Riding has taught and continues to teach me so much. I’ve learned how to speak up, and be confident. I’ve learned what it feels like to hit the ground hard (literally!), and how to get back up (and ride that horse right). I’ve learned that no matter what, it’s my fault. A horse might be a complete brat but as the rider I should be equipped to deal with it. I’ve learned that the barn is home. I’ve learned its okay to not know everything, just be willing to learn.

I really do feel riding brings me closer to God. He’s put this passion in my heart to shine his light into the equestrian world. I’m still learning how to trust Him fully with His plans for my life, and riding career. I’m still learning to accept my bad days and even be thankful for them. I’m still learning how to keep my head up when I have to miss a day of riding. I’m a work in progress, but that’s a good thing.

4 years ago I decided I wanted to be an Olympic show jumper. I had only been on a horse twice and knew almost nothing accept that I loved horses. I remember writing my parents a note telling them about this big life decision (I like to write if you haven’t noticed ;)). I was so serious. I still am. It’s still my dream and my goal. Currently there is talk about horse sports being taken out of the Olympics. I plan on being a professional rider whether or not the Olympics is involved, but I would be so sad if they took the equestrian events away. It is yet another situation I am learning to place in God’s hands.

I have no freaking clue HOW I will achieve such big dreams, I do know, however, that I need to be just as willing to pray as I am to work.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11