Chasing That Feeling

This sport is all about feeling. We are all just chasing feelings. Some people get accused of chasing ribbons, but it’s not really about the ribbon-a $2 piece of cardboard and material. It’s about the feeling they get when they know they earned that ribbon.

 These feelings can’t be accurately put into words but hopefully you equestrians reading this will get a glimpse, a rush, of the feelings I’m trying to go for here. Because relating to each other is important in this sport. And I think chasing after these feelings is the most worthwhile pursuit there is.

 THAT FEELING when your horse softens, receives the contact, and you experience pure connection-your legs are their legs and two bodies are one.

 THAT FEELING when you just brush your horse’s side with your calf and feel the power of the gallop after the last cross-country fence as you surge through the finish flags.

 THAT FEELING when your boots step into the barn and your horse’s head emerges over his stall door with wide eyes and pricked ears. And you don’t care that it’s probably motivated by food!

 THAT FEELING when your teammates are all watching your show jumping round, biting their lips, hopping from one foot to the other, gripping each other in anticipation and willing you with every fiber to jump fast and clean. And you do!

That feeling when you just jumped fast and clean!

THAT FEELING when you put on a brand new saddle pad, ear bonnet, or pair of polo wraps crisp and clean from the package (knowing full well they wont stay clean for long!).

 THAT FEELING when you hear the shrill whistle and turn your horse down centerline, attempting all at once to push your nerves away, ride perfectly but not stiffly, keep your horse straight and keep their attention, count the rhythm, remember which way to turn at C, and “don’t forget to smile at the judge!”

 THAT FEELING when you see the water complex come into view through your horse’s sharp ears and feel his laser-focus, hoping he trusts you enough to make the leap.

 THAT FEELING when the music perfectly matches your horse’s gait and you get goosebumps up and down your arms.

 THAT FEELING when your horse slowwwwly stretches their neck out, pops their lips and gets that “ooooh” soft eye while you scratch them in their favorite spot.

 THAT FEELING when you look down the barn aisle, exhausted after a long show day, hard schooling, or seemingly endless chores, and see your horse cheerfully munching their hay. And for a minute, all is well in the world.