Finding My Why
I remember sitting down with the riding instructor I had in my junior year of high school and telling her that I was thinking about going pro as an equestrian athlete. I remember she discouraged me from it. She told me it was hard work, that people can be hard to deal with, and there is not enough money in it to make it worth it.
I put the dream aside for a while. I applied to college and decided to pursue a job that would afford me the opportunity to continue in the sport. Then I changed course again. Didn't go to college when I planned, took a gap year, and became a working student. That experience changed me. I realized my passion. I loved getting to ride all the different horses. I loved problem solving with the difficult ones, in fact, I had a talent for it. I found out I could work really well with young horses because I worked WITH them, and most of all I discovered a passion for coaching.
I realized how lucky I was to have a trainer finally INVEST in me, even if it meant my working 12 hour days. I grew so much as a rider during that year. That was the year in my life that I credit to realizing my “why” in this profession.
I want to INVEST in my students' success because when someone finally took the time to do that with me it changed me. I want to be more than just a riding instructor. I want to be a trainer and a coach, a motivator, and a problem solver. I want to be an inspiration and an encouragement. That is why I love my job. It's not just about the horses, even though I do love the horses and the sport of show jumping. It's about giving opportunities to others who share my love of the sport.
I am so grateful for the experiences that got me here and so grateful for the opportunity I have to do what I love. This year my husband and I were blessed with the opportunity to get a horse farm and open up a business in Fountain Inn, SC called BuckWild ShowJumpers. We have had the place for less than a year and already faced challenges in the industry but I am so excited for the journey to come! This blog is a little space for me to share my journey as well as some tips and tricks for equine management and training. I look forward to seeing what the future has in store!