Working on that small farm is where I got my foundation with horses. Including discovering that there is never a dull moment with yearlings! After my first weekend there, the only other stable hand decided to move on to another barn, and suddenly I became the full-time help. My boss worked full-time off-site, so the only hands-on training I had was on Saturdays. YouTube videos quickly became my best friend! My boss gave me riding lessons on the weekends, and once I had the basics down I was given the \u201cok\u201d to go trail riding with the neighbors during the week. What started as working for one barn turned into picking up odd jobs, training, and experience at the three surrounding farms. They became my village, and their support boosted my confidence, laying the foundation for me to become the horsewoman I am today.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Eventually, I decided to start consistent riding lessons with a nearby trainer so I could progress my riding. Up until that point I\u00a0 had only been trail riding, at a walk, on gaited horses, so I was excited to finally get to ride a horse that could trot! In the first lesson, she taught me how to post, and by the end, I was trotting around the entire arena. I loved it, and had no fear! The trainer offered to take me on as a working student in exchange for the lessons, and it seemed like everything was going really well. Until a couple of weeks later when my usual trail mount bolted with me on our way back to the barn. I didn\u2019t know how to regain control in that type of situation, so when he came full speed around the corner my saddle flipped to his side, and I came off. I wasn\u2019t hurt, but my confidence took a hit. <\/span><\/p>\n The village was very encouraging and reminded me that I would regain my confidence as I continued riding. But while they were trying to build me up, I was naive and allowed the trainer to tear me down. Eventually, I stopped going on the trail rides, because I didn\u2019t want to hold my friends back from enjoying a good ride. Meanwhile, I spent 6 months with the trainer, only to find my fear of riding getting worse. I felt like a total failure. I didn\u2019t realize at the time that even perceived failures can contribute to becoming a great horsewoman.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Two weeks after my last lesson I attended a Fundamentals clinic put on by Downunder Horsemanship. I thought if after observing the clinic I did not feel re-inspired I would sell my horse stuff, and figure out something else to do with my life. Thankfully I was re-inspired! Not long after, I met a lady from my church who had also been at the clinic. She invited me to her farm, and after doing some groundwork, asked if I wanted to hop on her horse Carolina for a minute before I left. That was when we discovered my riding fears had not disappeared. I got on and flexed the sweet horse’s neck probably 10 times before asking her to walk. She barely took one step before I pulled a one reign stop, and hopped off shaking. I was devastated! How could I fulfill my dream of being a well-rounded horsewoman if I was too scared to ride? Thankfully my friend wasn\u2019t willing to give up on me, she really wanted a riding buddy!\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nBe Careful Who You Allow Into Your Village\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n
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<\/h3>\nRebuilding The Village\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n