Why am I passionate about horses? I began riding when I was tiny, and even at that early age it provided a sense of connection with the animal and physical freedom from the constraints of my own body which was – and still is – intoxicating. The sensation of galloping and jumping allow you to almost experience what it would be like to have that power and potential for speed in your own body – it never fails to put a smile on my face!
So riding horses is exhilarating and exciting – but in order to be able to give yourself over to the pleasure of an adrenaline-fuelled gallop, you need to trust the horse completely and know that it trusts you. So the other part of the passion is the bond that develops with a horse you know well. In the relationship with a horse, there are no hidden agendas – it’s a very restful contrast to the typical emotional roller coaster of human relationships!
Discovery Journey
I have early memories of riding donkeys on the beach during family holidays when I was 2 or 3 years old. I used to wait for the donkeys every day, and there was no rest for my parents until they let me have my daily fix! When I was 4 I started riding lessons, and that was it – the passion for ponies was there to stay.
Eureka Moment
I was lucky enough to find my passion before I was old enough to be rational about it. However, there was a period in my life when circumstances meant that I had less access to horses. I didn’t consciously miss horses and riding as I had other priorities at that time – but when I got back into riding it was as if a small but significant hole in my life had been re-filled.
How do I know this is my passion? Maybe the best way to describe it is that I behave like a child again when it comes to horses. If there’s ever an opportunity to look at or better still stroke a horse, I’ll take it…. if I’m stressed or upset about anything just thinking about my horses is enough to change my mood…. the first thing I do when I’ve been away overnight is go and see my horses….
It’s an indescribable feeling but it’s unequivocally a passion!
Being able to incorporate this into my daily work by running workshops with my horses means that my work truly is becoming my passion – it’s a great position to be in!
Try it
First, learn about horses. They have an incredible historical relationship with humans – look it up, and learn about all the ways in which horses have supported and enhanced human endeavour through the ages. I defy you not to be impressed by these incredible, beautiful, noble animals.
And then get to know a horse! All you need is access. You don’t need to learn to ride, you just need to go to where horses are. Meet a horse, feel its warm breath on your hand, stroke its silky-smooth neck….. once you do that, you won’t be able to resist being drawn in.
Just make sure you have time and money to spare, because your new-found passion will take all you have of both – but the rewards you’ll get back from the horse are immeasurable.
