My Journey Through Horses: Life in the Saddle

I forgot I used to have a separate riding/horse blog! It was called Horsin’ Around on Blogger, and I wrote there for 2 ½ years. Wow – what a blast from the past. I’m not going to make you deep dive my old blog (before the time of influencers & social media), here’s my journey through horses.

The Ride That Started It All

It was a defining moment in my life. We were on a family vacation in Montreal, and we all went out on a family trail ride. Looking back, it’s one of those moments that seem incredibly random. I don’t think my parents have been on a horse since that ride. I was on my own horse (even though I was only six), and the guides spoke very limited English. My brother rode with the guide (he was four).

Learning the Hard Way

I didn’t know any better and kept putting my hands behind the horn, and every single time the horse pulled to eat grass, my knuckles clipped that horn repeatedly. When I got off that horse, my knuckles were bloody shreds. I actually still have the scars on most of my knuckles from that ride. I was the happiest, most excited little girl, who immediately said, “I want to do that.” My mom thought I was crazy. What about this makes you want to do more? I just knew this was the sport for me. That started my foray into the horse world.

Early Lessons & First Barn Experiences

Starting Out in English Jumpers

My mom found a lesson barn for me, and I started in English jumpers. Because obviously, there wasn’t a horn, so that I wouldn’t damage my knuckles again. I don’t remember much about the beginning of my jumping lessons. I remember doing a “Pony Club” thing where I would be at the barn for about 3 hours, including a riding lesson and a theory lesson. And I rode there until I was about 11, but then I would get a ball of anxiety in my stomach heading to the barn.

Knowing When Something No Longer Fits

I disliked the pressure to jump, and I remember falling off. A LOT. I did one week of camp, and one horse show (which I took home “Best Showmanship” on a horse named Timbit) and then I decided that jumping was not for me.

I took a break in the summer between turning eleven and twelve, deciding to try playing soccer for the summer. But when soccer finished for the summer (in which we took home the championship trophy), I said, “Nope, horseback riding is my thing to do. This is the only thing that gets me out of bed in the morning.” But I knew I didn’t want to jump anymore.

Finding My Way in Western

Discovering a Different Kind of Confidence

I found a Western barn that is still available for lessons. Claireville Ranch primarily offers summer trail rides but also provides lessons, boarding, and pony rides. I started with their Safe Rider program, to teach me the basics of horses and the different tack. And that kick-started a whole new world for me.

Since I already had a few years of English under my belt, I did progress quickly. I was introduced to the Ontario Equestrian Federation (now called Ontario Equestrian, or OE), and I started earning my Western Levels (basically certification in the equestrian world that shows I can do what I say). It’s also a requirement to coach at a much higher level if I wanted to.

Coaches Who Shaped My Riding Years

I rode here for about 4 years, I did the majority of my school volunteer hours, worked my first job (running the pony rides), and this barn introduced me to showing and the two coaches I would eventually work with more closely over the coming years. One coach was my weekly riding coach, and the second worked on the weekends and handled competitions. I spent a lot of time with her, and spent almost every weekend with her when I was competing.

I showed at an amateur level in Western Pleasure, Horsemanship, and Trail, which led to learning to Barrel Race, Pole Bending, and even cow work and Team Penning. Even though I was terrible at it, it never advanced more than one time. I really did enjoy trying it out.

While at Claireville, both those coaches left the barn to start their own thing. I followed the coach that I showed with, but needed a more consistent coach who was a little bit closer to home. So, I went to Horse Sense Training. Barbara used to work at Claireville, but left before I got there to start her own place. She was known for being strict but great. So that was exactly what I needed and wanted.

Under Barbara, I earned my Level 4 Western rider certification. I worked with her for my high school co-op program, and when I went off to college (I hold a diploma in Agriculture – Equine Option), I worked with her over the summers when I was home. And then, Barbara retired, which was very sad for me, but very good for her. So I was on the hunt for another barn.

Discovering Dressage (and Myself Again)

A Barn That Values Growth Without Pressure

When Barbara announced that she was retiring, I began the hunt for a new barn. And I was ready for a new challenge.

That had me looking into the dressage world. I never thought that I’d be back as an English girlie, but here we are. 15 years later of riding dressage! I’ve been riding at Equestrian Dreams since 2010. It’s a little bit mind blowing to actually put this into a timeline.

The best part about this barn is the community. They were immediately so welcoming, and they enjoy just being at the barn. Everyone lends a hand, and there was absolutely no pressure to show. I was at the point in my life where I just wanted to learn a new skill, and not have any pressure on myself to compete. I started with weekly lessons, and slowly progressed to where I am today.

Meeting Noah — A New Chapter

Learning to Open Up Again

I’m currently blessed to be able to ride Mr. Noah three times a week, and I’m absolutely LOVING the opportunity to grow my skill and bond with this handsome guy. I love him so much. I feel like he’s my newest teacher for the latest life lessons. I’m delving into some of the past animal stuff that I haven’t been able to let go of, even now. I think he’s my teacher, helping me open up again and truly experience the trust and relationship with a new horse. And I think I’m finally ready for it.

Full Circle Journey Through Horses

Why Horses Still Matter to My Life Today

I’m ready to start talking about my riding again! I’m going to show this summer – first dressage show, first show as an adult with Noah. It’s a bit crazy! But I’m excited. It’ll be fun to have some more concrete goals to work towards, although the summer will come so fast! It’s hard to believe that other than for a couple breaks while I had children and Covid, I’ve been riding consistently since I was seven years old. Three decades of riding. That perspective still catches me off guard.

Over the years, horses have shaped far more than my riding. They’ve shaped me. In my next post, I’ll share the lessons that my journey through horses has taught me about patience, resilience, and parenting.

J x