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May all your blues be ribbons

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May all your blues be ribbons

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The sweetest victories sometimes come when we least expect them and have nothing to do with winning ribbons. After months of heartbreak watching my mare struggle with a mysterious lameness and facing my own impending surgery, I found myself feeling defeated. But an unexpected act of kindness changed my mind set.

For a competitive rider like myself who typically spends weeks meticulously preparing for shows—perfecting patterns, glitzing show clothes, and mentally rehearsing every transition— I was suddenly given an opportunity that challenged everything about my approach. Could I simply show up, swing into the saddle after months without riding, and enjoy the experience without my usual intensity? This mental pivot proved more challenging than expected as my "tiger stripes" of competitiveness initially refused to fade.

But something magical happened when I finally mounted Mercedes after not riding her for two and a half years. The moment my boots settled into the stirrups, competition fell away ,replaced by gratitude. Despite an antsy horse in a hectic arena and even completely botching a pattern in my second class, I experienced perhaps my happiest show ever. This unexpected day delivered a powerful reminder about why we fall in love with horses in the first place—the connection, the partnership, and the simple joy of being together. In our quest for ribbons and perfection, we sometimes forget to enjoy the ride itself, both in horsemanship and in life. When was the last time you reconnected with the pure joy that drew you to your passion? Subscribe to The Horse Fix for more insights about horses, horsemanship, and the lessons they teach us about ourselves.

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May all your blues be ribbons