Four Things That Horse Ownership has Taught Me.

I fell in love with horses at an early age - eight years old to be exact. One birthday party trail ride has turned into an enduring joy that I'm blessed to still be involved with. I don't own horses anymore, but here are four important life lessons I've learned from owning horses for over a decade: 1. Owning horses teaches you what genuine commitment looks like.

There is a different type autonomy that one acquires from being an equestrian. You learn to be diligent, how to make decisions, to endure when things get tough or go sideways, and to always, always, always trust your gut because it's right. Owning horses is a 24/7, 365 days a week responsibility that doesn't stop just because you don't feel like it anymore. Ownership lays out a foundation for being a person of true integrity who does not go back on their commitments because of the character that you've developed through caring for a large animal that's entirely dependent on you to show up every single day. Horses teach you how to rise into a person of deep character & authenticity.

2. Owning horses shows you the ugly sides of yourself - and force you to be authentic.

Horses reflect everything that's going on inside of you. If you're upset, they know. If you haven't dealt with your bitterness, they know. If you're struggling with pride, they know. Horses won't let you get away with not dealing with your mess! They help teach you how to forgive. They help teach you how to trust. They help heal your not-so-nice attitudes and character qualities, along with the grace of God. All of these things mean that you become a more genuine & authentic person.

3. Owning horses gives you grit.

Owning horses is not for the faint of heart - emergency vet calls will happen, you will fall off, you will cry tears of frustration, injuries will happen, and things definitely won't go as intended when owning horses. Owning horses has taught me how to remain calm in scary situations, how to graciously accept criticism from riding instructors,how to navigate through medical emergencies, and most importantly how to make tough calls when my horse's welfare has been at stake. Owning horses that teaches you how everything is held in balance: life & death, sickness & health, joy & sorrow. It gives you the grit that you'll need for life.

My last horse, Spirit. A Quarter Horse gelding.

4. Owning horses is one of life's greatest joys.

At the end of it all, a good horse is one of the greatest joys that one can experience in this life.They'll leave you laughing with their silly antics, you'll fall in love with their quirky personalities, and you'll be a better person because of every single horse that you've ever owned. Each horse has something to teach you if you're willing to listen.

xo, Alyssa