Everybody has their one world where they feel as if it was made for them, the one place or state of mind that takes away any stress or painful feelings. For myself that place would be Saddlebrook Equestrian Center; the stable where I ride horses and help out or just be there for the sheer joy and comfort of being around horses. I cannot count how many times I have been distraught after a horrible day; but as soon as I see that horse’s innocent, adorable, and loving face I instantly can feel myself cheer up.
Being a high school student, I feel every day and all day that I’m constantly being judged and put to various tests both academically and socially. What’s my favorite thing about horses? They don’t care. They don’t care if you’re pretty, what grades you get, how old you are, what type of clothes you wear, what you’ve done in your past, or what religion you are. They don’t even care how well of a rider you are. As long as you treat them with kindness and respect they’re fine. Of course unless if they’ve like us, had a bad day or are injured or don’t feel well for some reason. I personally wish it was this case with everyday people but unfortunately my outside world can’t be as simple and as comfortable as that of the world of horse’s.
I’m constantly spoiling horses with extra treats or smothering them with kisses and all around love. Although this bond might sound odd to other people I can’t help it. Little do the horse’s I come in contact with in my every day life know it; but they have done so much for me. Their have been times where thoughts of rage, confusion, desperation, and sadness are overwhelming me. This is when I resort to crying on the shoulder (literally) of this powerful and majestic animal and just talking. I can feel them listen and I feel instantly comforted. I don’t need advice or judgment just somebody who will listen. I love burying my face in their soft fur, I love the feel of their main between my fingers, I love their adorable faces, and perky need for attention and care.
Clearly I care a lot about horses but I also have close connections with the people at my stable. I can’t always rely on people but I do feel I have enough there supporting me and rooting for me. Two of my closest friends ride there with me. I also have many other friends there and three riding instructors that I also consider friends more than a higher power. I will never forget the time when it was my first competition on a cross-country course. My stomach was in knots, my throat in a lump, and I wanted to crawl in my bed at home safe from the staring eyes of others who were going to judge how well I do the one thing I need to do and love to do. My horse had not been cooperating all week, including the morning of the show I had tried the course once or twice and hadn’t gotten over anything. I had tears of disappointment and anger streaming down my face and my friends helped me pull myself together, get on a new horse, and even did my tack for me. In this moment when I was feeling so distraught I wanted toquit riding and never get on a horse ever again.
But there was a single moment where I knew that this was something I could never give up. I was on a new horse Dandy, and we were galloping up to a jump in an empty field just the two of us and then we went soaring in the air. I felt invincible, as if nobody could catch us. Like we were so far from the outside world just enjoying the breeze and the uplifting and indestructible feeling I got from being that high in the air. As if I was flying right there on Dandy.
Unfortunately I will be graduating in a few years and I will have to leave this home away from home. Perhaps I might look into various careers involving horses. I have considered greatly becoming an Equine veterinarian or maybe eventually I will get involved in the world of competitive horseback riding. I’m not sure yet but all I know is that I want horses to be a part of my life, and I want to continue helping these beautiful animals as much as they’ve helped me in my life.