You Don’t Have To Ride To Be An Equestrian
The identity crisis. Most riders at some point in their lives for one reason or another take a break from riding. It might not always be their choice, but sometimes regular life happens. I have read more social media posts about people who are taking riding breaks who feel like they’re giving up a part of themselves. They are riders – horses are part of their identity. But I’m here to tell you that even if you have to take a break from riding, horses and equestrianism can remain an active part of your life. It’s actually easier than you think.
Glass half full.
Not being able to ride is tough, even if the choice was of our own accord and not forced upon us. As someone who has taken several breaks – for health reasons, financial struggles, and even once to solidify my career – I know what it’s like to suddenly not know who you are without riding. But what I learned is that even if you can’t sit in a saddle, there is so much to do within the community to keep you connected.
Carve out space for a non-riding you.
During my breaks, I realized that even though I couldn’t be around horses, my horse friends and connections never stopped calling. I took a seat on a local horse show board, helped organize a few schooling shows, and volunteered some of my services to help my friend with her new training venture. I audited clinics, stayed up to date on equestrian news, and did some side work as a groom for friends. All these activities kept me involved with the community and friends I still very much wanted to be a part of. And even though I was skeptical at first, I realized that the equestrian community didn’t actually care whether or not I was riding. They were still my people.
IMO.
Repeat after me: I will not stop being an equestrian if I take a break. It’s the truth. Taking a break from riding does not mean you are no longer a member of the equestrian community. With so many ways to stay involved and connected without actually sitting in a saddle, you will only stop being an equestrian if you want to.
This hot take originally published in the Heels Down Spark in January 2021. Get more conversation starters in your inbox every weekday morning by subscribing to the Spark now.