Growing up, horses were a part of my life here and there, but my true fascination with them began when I was six years old, living in Golden, Colorado. We had two acres of land, which gave me the freedom to explore the outdoors, and I spent a lot of time watching the three horses our neighbors owned. My brother and I would run over to the fence, excited to see them, and we even gave them names—Muffin, Cookie, and Cupcake. At that age, I didn’t fully understand the bond between a person and a horse, but I was mesmerized by their power, their grace, and their ability to capture my attention. We didn’t own any horses ourselves, but those visits to the neighbor’s pasture were enough to spark something inside of me.
Eventually, we moved to Centennial, Colorado, which was a completely different environment. Gone were the open acres and the friendly neighbor horses. It was an adjustment for me, as I no longer had that connection to the animals I had grown so used to seeing. However, my cousin had a horse, and we would visit her regularly. This was when I began to learn more about horses—how to approach them, how to interact with them, and some basics of care. I was still young, but every visit deepened my appreciation for horses and made me realize that one day, I wanted to be around them more, maybe even own one.
By age 16, my casual interest in horses had evolved into something more serious. I didn’t just want to be around them occasionally; I wanted to ride and learn everything I could about their care. The idea of one day owning a horse became a dream that I started to pursue. Despite this growing desire, I never fully acted on it until I was 18. That’s when I decided it was time to stop just thinking about it and do something. I reached out to one of my brother’s friends, Madelyne, who had experience with horses. I figured she could give me some guidance, and I was right.
Madelyne and I had a long conversation about what kind of riding I wanted to pursue. She explained that there were two main styles: country (or western) riding and English riding. Both had their unique aspects, but country riding felt like the right fit for me. It just seemed more relaxed, more in tune with nature, and suited the way I imagined myself around horses. Thankfully, Madelyne introduced me to her friend Leah, who was a country riding instructor. I was so excited to get in touch with Leah and set up my first riding lesson.
From that very first lesson to my sixth, I was amazed by how much there was to learn. I quickly realized that riding wasn’t just about hopping on a horse and going for a ride. Leah taught me how to care for the horse, which was just as important as the riding itself. I learned how to lead him, brush him, clean his hooves, and saddle him up properly, all while ensuring everything was in the right place and fit correctly. It was eye-opening to see the level of responsibility that came with working with horses, but I loved every second of it.
And then, of course, there was the riding part—the part I had been most excited about. It was more challenging than I anticipated, but also more rewarding. Learning how to communicate with the horse, how to maneuver and guide him with subtle movements, was thrilling. There was something incredibly empowering about feeling in sync with such a large, powerful animal. Every lesson left me wanting more, and I knew I was hooked.
Beyond the practical skills, though, this experience taught me a lot about myself. It helped me grow as a person in ways I hadn’t expected. One of the biggest lessons I took away from this journey was the importance of taking action. I had always been interested in horses, but it wasn’t until I actively reached out to Madelyne and pursued lessons with Leah that I truly started to learn and grow. It was a reminder that if you want something, you have to go after it. That lesson—about stepping out of your comfort zone and taking opportunities—applies to so much more than just horses.
This mindset shift has carried over into other areas of my life, particularly my work. Whether it’s taking on new challenges or seizing opportunities, I’ve learned that growth comes from action. My experience with horses has shown me that sometimes you have to take risks and push yourself to grow. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. And in the end, the rewards are far greater than any of the initial fears or hesitations.
Looking back, what started as a childhood fascination has turned into a passion that has shaped who I am today. Horses have taught me patience, responsibility, and the value of following through on your interests. They’ve helped me become more confident, both in myself and in my ability to handle whatever life throws at me. And for that, I’ll always be grateful.