17 years. I kept chasing a dream, and it took me 17 years to finally catch it.
Today, I put my horse on the trailer and traveled up the road to my friend Kim’s barn, where I spent a few hours showing Siouxsie around the farm, and then hopping on her for a bit. It was a big deal for both of us because it was Sioux’s first time off the property by herself, and my first time hauling her in the new rig. We both handled things very well!
The freedom, joy, and sense of accomplishment from this small event permeates every single cell in my body. Even my soul feels fulfilled.
By most equestrians’ standards, this outing wasn’t all that special, but for me, it was extraordinary.
There isn’t a thing about horsemanship that I do not love. From walking Siouxsie around the farm to see things, to patiently loading and unloading her from the trailer. Not a minute went by that I wished away. Every detail of the day was gratifying. That’s not an easy thing to achieve for an Energizer-Bunny-with-ADHD type like me!
On my way home, I thought about calling my dad. I used to call him on my way home from lessons when I first starting riding seriously. He wasn’t a “horse person” like I am, but he did love them, occasionally rode, and liked to hear about my adventures in an english saddle. My dad was my go-to person when I was feeling particularly happy about a lesson or a ride.
Despite the fact that he died 10 years ago, I chatted with him about the adventure just as if he was right next to me. The fear I overcame today was a lot like the fear I had one summer day in Pennsylvania, a very, very long time ago. My dad and I went for a trail ride and my horse didn’t want to cross a wide, shallow creek. I cried and wailed like a baby for the longest time, but I finally got that clever little Quarter Horse through the water. And then the indescribable glee hit me — right in the center of my being. What a feeling!
Today was just like that day. You’d be proud of me, dad. I wish you were here to enjoy the moment.
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Don’t give up until you find the bliss. It doesn’t matter how old you are or what your dream is, keep it in your sights. Money, power, prestige, even blue ribbons aren’t made of bliss. Nah. Bliss comes from that place deep inside of you that knows what feeds your soul. You’ll know it when you find it.