Reflections

How Horses Shape Us Without Words Some of the most profound teachers in our lives are the ones who never speak a word. For me, one of those teachers was Euglena, a kind and steady gelding who carried me through adolescence. He tolerated my mistakes, my frustrations, and even my misplaced anger with a patience that I only fully appreciate now, years later. He didn’t just teach me how to ride—he taught me about forgiveness, consistency, and the quiet power of presence. “He was

The best trainers I know have one thing in common: they never stop learning. Even when they are teaching, they remain students—of the horse, of their peers, of life itself. Ego is the enemy of growth. The moment we think we have it all figured out, we stop listening, and that is when we stop improving.

Ignoring your true calling creates unhappiness; embracing your passion leads to authenticity in life. There comes a point in life where you can’t keep ignoring the things that make your heart beat faster. For me, that has always been horses. I once tried to step away, thinking it was the responsible thing to do, but the absence left me hollow. Passion isn’t a frivolity—it’s part of who we are at our core. There comes a point in life where you can’t keep ignoring the things th

When my daughter’s riding plateaued, I expected her to push harder—but instead, she reminded me that love for horses doesn’t need to be tied to achievement. Through an honest conversation, she shared that what matters most to her is the bond with her horse, not the progress or comparison. That moment taught me about integrity, joy, and the wisdom our children can give us when we truly listen.