United States Eventing Association

Some young riders are extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to keep their horses with them throughout their college years. Others make the decision to take a break for school and pick it up again later in life. Whatever the decision may be, it is important to weigh the odds and make the best choice for you. I did both, and I’m happy with where I am now.

Horses were my life growing up—posters, calendars, figurines, T-shirts, the whole nine yards. I was dubbed “Horse Girl” at school (you know you were, too). I didn’t care though because I was hooked. I swore that I would ride forever, go to the Olympics, and be the youngest person to do…something extraordinary—winning Badminton at the ripe age of eighteen preferably. That was my biggest dream.

I started lessons at age seven and began eventing at ten. Even Mom joined in the festivities eventually, and at age 40, she started lessons. “Why spend the time and money without having the fun, too?” she said. After competing together for years, I moved a short distance away from my mum and started on my own. The catch was, since I chose to move away, Mom would keep the truck and trailer for her horse. Transportation and expenses to competitions would be my responsibility. For the next year and a half, I attended the University of West Georgia and rode with the goal of completing a Preliminary one-star competition. I worked at a local coffee shop, saved every penny I could, rode anything I was offered and worked my little tail feathers off. I also relied heavily on my good friends in the horse business hitching rides to shows. It was a lot of hard work, but I competed as often as I could afford and was happy with my riding. However, I wanted more education and to pursue a career not taught at my school. I chose to transfer to the University of Alabama my second semester of my sophomore year of college. Mom and I agreed that I was broke, behind on class hours, and maybe even slightly burnt out. So, the plan was that I would finish out the next season with Sam at Preliminary and then pass him on to Mom to cart her around at baby-novice.

We all know how predictable horses are, and we all know how plans can change. Sam suffered freak injuries our last couple seasons, setting us back from our goal of completing a one-star before I transferred. When it became apparent that a one-star was not in my near future, my eyes were set on a Training 3-Day for our last hurrah. Due to the injuries, we never made it there, either. So now I’m 20 years old, no Badminton winner, and horse land is far away…

What a horrific story! Gosh, I know, it’s sad. But this is no tragedy, my friends. So, I’ve had to keep a mud and manure free apartment (this is tough I assure you). And I’m kind of losing my sanity without scruffy outdoorsy folks like me to cackle with everyday. But I think I’ve made the right choice. No really, I do. Even with the setbacks with Sam and even though we never competed in a one-star, I had a blast doing what I do. The good news is I’m going to graduate on time (heh), I have a little more cash in my pocket, and the horses will be there again when I’m ready.

So, don’t fear comrades, you can march on without the barn if you so choose. You’ll be fine. If you choose to keep riding, then ride on! Work hard, savor every moment, and don’t always sweat the small stuff. Just love what you do. But no matter what route you choose, always stay in touch with your “inner pony.”