Belonging
For my third birthday, all I wanted was to take a horseback riding lesson. My mom arranged a lesson with a local barn, having no idea the impact it would have on my life. My first lesson became my second, and my second became my third until I competed in my first show when I was 5 years old. Even when I subsequently broke my arm, I couldn’t wait to get back on a horse. For the past 14 years of my life, riding has been what has put a smile on my face, kept me sane during school, and provided me with some of my best friends. No matter what is happening in my life, I always feel like I belong at my barn, and with my horse. In March, I got my horse Earnie. He’s a chestnut, with a unique liver-colored main and tail, four white socks, and a striking white blaze on his face. Undoubtedly he’s an arresting horse, only amplified by his textbook-perfect jumping form. Most importantly, he has the best personality. Whenever I walk into the barn, he perks his ears up and preens h...