Equestrian or not? That is the question...
I have to confess as it is sometimes heavy on my chest.
Horses have been my favourite animals since I can remember. Growing up I was obsessed! I had figurines, paintings, pictures, toys. My entire family knows me as the ‘horsey one’.
Stating this^ I grew up in a poor family, and horse riding lessons were less than a regular treat for me. None the less I cherished them each time. Growing up I dreamed of a career which would allow me to be around horses permanently.
I guess veterinary nursing isn’t far off right?
At the age of 11 I moved to the UK. My mum worked very hard but horse riding in the UK is expensive to say the least. It wasn’t until I was 21 years old, worked full time and could afford to pay for it myself, that I sat back in the saddle, if you don’t count an odd ride here or there whilst on holidays at home every other year.
Whilst I could afford it, I took lessons. It felt great. I was so happy to be doing what I always loved so dearly, until I started uni. I’m once again broke & dreaming of the day I can afford to keep my own horse.
I guess what I’m trying to say is, I consider myself an equestrian. I feel that the love for horses runs in my blood, it is my passion & whilst money has been the main obstacle I don’t feel any less to someone who has regular access to horses. However when I do speak with people who ride regularly/own their own horses I feel as though I am not taken seriously when I explain how little time I had spent around stables/horses/in the saddle. I am inexperienced, which I understand, but that does not in my mind undermine my love for the animals & passion for riding, regardless circumstances.
Perhaps it is just me, or does anyone else in similar situation feel the same?
