Today, a little more than halfway through by run I was hot, sweaty, tired, and I wanted desperately to stop. "Why did I sign up for a half marathon this year?" I asked myself. "Maybe I will just back out, I can't do this," I thought. Then something happened. I kept going. Sometimes the moment …
Tag: equestrianlife
Being Present
"Wherever you are, be all there." - Jim Elliot Riding brings us into the present moment. It is very difficult to focus on a jump course if we are thinking about work, or school, or all the groceries we need. Even just being around horses on the ground requires a certain level of focus. Riding has always been my …
A Little Monday Inspiration
"I didn't have talent, but I had great Ambition, and still have great Ambition." - George Morris Well according to the king of the hunter jumper world, ambition is all we really need to be great. I believe this to be true. Natural talent is rather useless without the desire and drive to achieve. And …
Off Days
Yesterday, I had the day off of work. After a crazy busy week last week, and a crazy past few months, I felt that taking a Tuesday off of work was a fabulous idea. So, how did I begin my day? Like most equestrians, I rode. I was up at 6am to get out to …
Sweet Summertime
Summer is my favorite time of year. Life always seems to slow down a little. I love feeling the hot Texas sun on my back, and jumping into some kind of water - whether it is the ocean or a lake, or a pool - to cool off after a hot day outside. Pool parties …
Back Again
I have been a little absent from the blogging world the past couple of months, but now that life seems to be slowing down a bit I plan to get back to it! What has been going on? Of course work has been crazy, as well as farm planning. Also, Texas keeps trying to float …
Triple Crown
Last weekend history was made as American Pharoah galloped across the finish line of the Belmont Stakes, becoming the first Triple Crown winner since 1978. This horse will forever be famous as one of the mere twelve that have achieved Triple Crown victories. I held my breath through the nearly the entire race. He was …
When It Rains
When the weather will not cooperate with riding plans, it is beyond frustrating. Texas is having its own monsoon season. So. Much. Rain. Yesterday, it cleared off in the afternoon so after a busy workday I was more than ready for a ride in the evening. I headed out to the barn, tacked Chance up, was …
Working Without Stirrups
Perfect practice makes perfect. - George Morris Working without stirrups is so incredibly beneficial for our riding. It may not be fun, but it strengthens our legs, stabilizes our position, and allows us to really feel the horse. I once had a trainer who made me flat without stirrups every time I rode for a …
Horse Show Rituals
We all have our own little routines that we complete before heading off to a horse show. We likely also all have little superstitions, or "good luck" things we do too! The first thing I do when getting ready for a show is groom my horse. Touch up clipping, bathing, mane trimming are all …
Laurel Ashton Equestrian 