You show up to the barn, only to find your horse three-legged lame. A million scenarios run through your mind. Was he kicked in turnout? Did he slip and fall in the mud? Is it just a hoof abscess? Your brain goes into overdrive. In that moment, everything else in life goes out the window. […]
What is Equestrian Trauma? Equestrian Trauma is an umbrella term for a variety of issues equestrians may face. Indeed, equestrian trauma is not so much about the severity of the incident that occurred but rather the impact on the Equestrian’s mental health. The following events may be considered traumatic: Falling off your horse and having […]
Yes, it’s frustrating to live with food allergies. No, this is not a personal choice of yours to avoid certain foods. Going to parties, restaurants, and get-togethers can be anxiety-inducing for many reasons. When you live with food allergies, you may be wondering what you’re going to eat and if the food will be safe. […]
“Riding a horse is not a gentle hobby, to be picked up and laid down like a game of Solitaire. It is a grand passion.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson This quote really hits home to so many. If horses have been in your life for a while, the pure sight of a horse awakens a […]
How often do you see people of color competing in equestrian sports? Why is our community so homogenous? White, slim, and wealthy. Without much diversity, it continues to hinder a wide variety of people from enjoying and partaking in this sport. If certain groups of people are excluded in equestrian sports, it limits the possible […]
The words “you are now being judged” echo over the loudspeaker and all eyes are on your rider. You’ve worked tirelessly to get them where they are today. You’re there to cheer them on no matter what happens in the arena. You’re there supporting them alongside their parents/guardians. Is the rest of the team showing […]
One of the most wonderful parts of horseback riding is being able to enjoy your time out on the trails and being in nature with your horse. However, riding out on trails can be anxiety-inducing for some riders. It could have been a previous experience that triggered this for you. Or, a simple distrust in […]
Visiting the barn and your horse should be a sanctuary. A place to escape the rest of the world and spend time with your four-legged therapist. It’s even better if you can spend time and ride with other amicable horse people. Unfortunately, it’s not unheard of for equestrians to encounter people at our barns with […]
In my previous blog, we discussed what trauma is and how it impacts our minds and bodies after a riding accident. Next our focus is on healing the trauma you experienced while riding. As equestrians, we’re trained to be brave and strong-willed. There’s no space for us to be afraid or second guessing ourselves. You […]
One, two, three, one, two, three, one… His approach was too long to make the jump. The distance wasn’t right and you were unable to correct it. You didn’t see it coming and you’re unbalanced. In a split second, you find yourself tumbling over his shoulder, hitting the ground, and seeing his front legs two […]