I’ve been on a crash course, a boot camp, a full immersion experience of…
Horses.
Falls and foals, wounds and wonder, jig-jogging and joy.
I began this journey seven years ago with one horse, as a big “yes” to my daughters who wanted to ride. It was also a “yes” to myself – yes, you can do this, you can overcome those fears and enjoy horses like you quietly longed for but never dreamed possible.
That yes has been one of the most influential decisions of my life.
The past few years have been an incredible journey during which I have learnt not just about horses – their needs, their language, how to ride, and how to care for them – but about myself. About anxiety. About fear of failure. About my own ability to persevere. About courage, grit and maybe blind stubbornness. About the goodness of other humans in their compassion, encouragement and willingness to share. About the joy of being with horses.
After seven years, I have learnt so much, but I know I am only scratching the surface. Ask any horsey person and they will say that learning about horses is fascinating, endless, a life long journey. (And if they don’t say that… well, they are missing out, and their horses probably are too).
Yet, I know I am a little further down the track from others out there who have recently said “yes” to a horse. Maybe it was a yes for their children. Maybe yes for themselves. Yes to a crazy ride of highs and lows, joy and frustration, costs and canters and crashes.
So my purpose in creating this blog is to help other New Horsey Mamas out there by encouraging you through my experiences, and hopefully help fast track your learning too.
I have learnt through a lot of reading and research. I have learnt through time, observation, experience. I have learnt the hard way, and at times the expensive way. And I have learnt by asking questions – lots of them – of every horsey person I meet! If I can take that learning and help others then this experience becomes even more fulfilling.
So if you are here because you are new to horses – welcome new horsey mama! I hope I can help you on your journey a little. And well done for saying YES! You are entering a new world of exhilaration and fulfilment. There will be beauty. There will be mud. And you will grow in strength, patience, confidence and joy. Enjoy the ride!
Larisa
PS If you’re here just to hang out and maybe dream a little, or just to see what I’m up to with my horses then that’s great too! xx
New Horsey Mama 