Not too long ago I read an article about how women tend use qualifying words like “just” to pacify those around them. In a work setting, it could be used like this: “I’m just checking to see when you might have that project completed.” Just. It softens things. Makes you less demanding. Less “bossy.” Since … More Why I’m Banishing the Words “I Don’t Know” from My Vocabulary
Don’t get me wrong, I like being a grown-up. I have a job I enjoy doing something that I am good at, which pays the bills and (mostly) covers a comfortable living that includes horses. I have a wonderful family, a stellar boyfriend and a close group of friends. I am also lucky enough to … More 5 Reasons Being a Horse-Crazy Adult Kind of Sucks
This week our barn suffered a sudden loss, the second this fall. Both were fairly young, well-cared for horses that colicked and took unexpected turns for the worse. Knowing myself how difficult it is to make these life-altering decisions, my heart goes out to my friends. These poems are in honor of Whinny, Diesel, their … More Farewell to Four-Legged Friends
I had an unfortunate incident last night during my lesson, while we were doing grid work. Heels down, leg on = beautiful form: Heels not down, leg not on = nearly going over the jump without the horse: These are both screen captures from videos that my patient mother took. For giggles, here are the … More Heels. Put Them Down.
Today is my birthday! I have successfully completed one quarter of a century of life, and have begun the next quarter-century. (The first few hours have been pretty great. Here’s hoping the next 25 years follow suit!) In the spirit of turning another year older, I’ve been thinking about all the things I’ve done so … More 26 Things for 26 Years
Today I felt profoundly thankful. It was a lovely fall day and the sun was out at the farm. Not too long ago I was struggling with the fact that I simply cannot have a horse right now due to the financial burden. That didn’t stop me from obsessing over every new horse available through New … More Perspective Shift
So many of us are so tempted to do what we think we’re supposed to do. This awesome comic strip is a reminder that what we should really be doing is what makes us feel fulfilled. What would you do if money were no object? More importantly: are you actually doing that?
If you show horses, whatever your discipline, then you’ve probably experienced that moment when you realize that it’s basically a futile endeavor. No matter what you do, no matter how perfect your ride, the results essentially rely on one person’s opinion. It is the nature of the sport. It takes a certain kind of crazy … More Winning & Losing: You Know Something the Judge Doesn’t
Throwback Thursday this week resurfaces a post from October 9, 2013. You can also read the original here. I recently came across a post called “Top 3 Reasons Why America’s Producing so Many Mediocre Instructors” and was intrigued enough to read it. Partially, my curiosity stemmed from the fact that I don’t believe my instructors are … More Throwback Thursday: Are American Riding Instructors Mediocre?
Do you ever have those moments where you’re so happy you can physically feel it expanding in your chest, and you know you’re happy, and you also know exactly how happy you are, and the moment is even sweeter for realizing the extent of that happiness? That’s how this weekend was for me. This weekend was … More Wings on Our Feet, with Hearts Full of Joy
Centered in the Saddle 