United States Eventing Association

You have to agree that when you arrive at the barn, you arrive at a place that’s more than just fences, paddocks, and arenas—it really is your happy place: the place you go to when you need a little positive distraction from the craziness of your crazy world. Unlike other sport venues, however, your happy place isn’t defined by the venue itself but by the relationship with S the trainers, peers, and horses found there.

Let me introduce you to a key building block for confidence in the equestrian athlete: Your Own Voice. This is the voice that’s with you 24/7, being fed by things you’ve done, people who have influenced you, and things that have happened to you. It provides commentary, opinions, and general narration about your life and experiences. It emerges out of your thoughts and emotions, and can stir both.

About halfway through my 2009 Florida high-goal season, Hale Bopp came up lame. At the time she was 17. Our team’s veterinarian assessed her, found degenerative changes in one front ankle, suggested injecting that joint with hyaluronic acid and cortisone, and said she’d be ready to go for our next game in three days’ time.