What makes kids want to keep riding...

My child loves to ride because she gets to spend time with horses. She talks about horses non-stop.  I love to see the glimmer in her eyes when she can talk about riding her favorite horse.

I can give you a different perspective since I was a rider and have gotten back into the saddle. Riding for me is about having a strong connection between myself and the horse. The bond you build with the horse you ride the most or the one you find in the barn that makes you smile when you see them. The horse is just part of the equation. The barn is my escape from the everyday things that make life hard. I can go to the barn and get to into a different headspace. This space is a free space where it can be about just me and a horse. It’s therapeutic. Yes, a trainer is there but the focus is just on this one thing and me. I sometimes just enjoy grooming and hanging out with these large, wonderful dogs. They have these fun personalities where some are little stinkers and others just want the love. There is one that as soon as you crack a carrot they look over with the "that is for me right" look. There is one that knows the sound of my voice and knows I am the treat lady and knows I always give him some. He is my favorite. These 1200lb beauties have the strength to just topple you over but also give the best hugs or rest their heads on you (my favorite). They have a way to connect to your emotions and give you assurance and peace in the crazy world we live in. When I go to ride, I am there to just enjoy the time and the motion of rocking on the horse. Riding is great release for me. My endorphins rise and I am a much better human when I am around horses.

For my daughter, she says it is horses that she loves, but I know there is more to it. She has bonded with her horse, Charlie, and they make a great partnership, but there is something about the lifelong friendships you make that really do get you through anything and everything. She gets to hang out with her barn friends and talk about school, their ride, when they are coming back to the barn, etc. They are all doing something they love together. It is special to watch the fun these girls have before, during, and after lessons. The way the girls have become a family that is the true test of riding. They will just all take off a saddle and walk around the ring bareback and just chatting about everything and nothing.

The confidence I have seen all the kids gain from riding horses is just amazing. They are growing in ways I could not even imagine or give them as a parent. They are better people because of the horses. My daughter has become independent, confident, and a kind person with the help of riding and learning something new. She has had to overcome obstacles and falls. To watch her just get back in the saddle (yes, that was intended) after a fall or ask if I got it on tape shows that the fear is not there anymore, and it pushes her to do better. She must figure how to navigate problems when riding and learn from her mistakes. She has done really well at shows and other times not so much. She has had to deal with those victories and disappointments since she has started to compete. Mostly she does it because she loves it and has fun doing it.

Friends just hanging out in the arena