“There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.”

– Winston Churchill

There truly is something so entrancing about horses. I do not think that I have ever met anyone who could deny what beautiful creatures they are. I oftentimes get so caught up my riding and competition goals that I lose sight of why I love to ride – and moreover, why I love horses. When I am constantly focusing on the next show, or on training issues, I forget how amazing it is that I am able to ride every day.

Simply being in the presence of horses can calm my mind after a stressful day; it can make me forget all of the anxieties and troubles of daily life. I feel so completely at home with the sun on my back, and breathing  in the the scents of summer, as I ride. I think the smell of horses and hay is the best scent in the world. I feel most myself when I am sweaty, dirty, and smell like horses.

Somehow, it is often the little things that make me so thankful that I am able to spend so much of my time with horses. Although I love competing and training, it is my captivation with these fascinating animals that drives me to wake up at 5am on a Saturday, brave the sweltering heat in the summer,  and endure the cold in the winter. My passion for these beautiful creatures is why I love to ride. And it is pretty amazing that I am able to ride every day!