Personal/Point of View Stories

In a judged discipline like the hunters, I have to be aware that my body moves differently, and that not every judge will understand what they’re seeing. Truthfully, sometimes I get stuck in the dual consciousness of riding for myself, while also knowing that I’m representing something larger. I go into the ring knowing that my ride might be someone’s first impression of what disabilities look like in this sport—and I want it to be defined by precision and harmony, not pity or novelty. And yet, I also ride knowing that the level of riding I am pursuing today would be unfathomable to 4-year-old Lauren.

One thing we all know to be true across the many disciplines of equestrian sports: riding horses asks every equestrian to adapt. But, for riders with disabilities, adaptation isn't an asterisk to our training—it is the training. In fact, the labor and process of adaptation starts long before we step into the ring, and trust me, it demands the same precision, creativity and hyper-awareness that has become known to define any great horseman. 

From the very beginning, it was clear that therapeutic riding gave me more than just improved mobility. Riding gave me freedom. In the saddle, I wasn’t defined by the tightness in my muscles or my asynchronous gait. I was just a little girl on a horse, moving with him, together as one being. I didn’t know it then, but I was feeling more than just freedom—I was feeling a sense of equality and autonomy that I never knew on the ground

When we think of the Warm-Up Ring, words like insanity, no rules, free-for-all and chaos come to mind. As a warm-up ring survivor, I know it can be a scary place. But, taking the time to learn some general etiquette and easy-to-follow rules will help you and others around you stay safe and be more comfortable!  

Anyone who has ever had horses in winter will tell you it's no picnic, but we endure it yearly because we love our horses and would do anything for them. While there's no way to take away all the headaches, there are ways to make ourselves and our horses a little more comfortable until spring rolls around. Read on for a few tips on how I keep our horses, Olivia and Sierra, comfy and healthy during the winter months.

Moving day is here! Your stalls, barn, and pastures are ready to bring home your best friend. But, there are just a few things left to do to ensure your horse is ready for the transition. 

Every spring and summer I get lots of questions like, "What is that thing on your face?" It's my grazing muzzle! Sometimes, people who have never seen a grazing muzzle before think that it's "mean" until they understand how a grazing muzzle can actually save a horse's life. So, I’m here to tell you a little bit about why I wear my muzzle, and how it helps me.

You’ve signed on the dotted line. It’s official: that farm you dreamed of every night as a horse-loving kid is finally a reality! The lush rolling pastures and perfectly tidy stalls you see when you close your eyes are now right in front of you in real life. You can hardly wait to pack up the horse trailer and move right in.

But wait. Is it ready? Are YOU ready?

It's Spring and past time to break out those muzzles for your horses and ponies. I know it may feel awful putting them on in the beginning; it's tough love for sure. But muzzles are a small and easy-to-implement daily way to protect your horse, pony or mini's health, especially for those at a great risk for obesity and laminitis.