This World Mental Health Day, I’m more grateful than ever for returning to my equestrian roots. Ever since I was a kid, being around these majestic 1500-pound non-verbal animals offered me peace, clarity, and a level of communication that could only be understood through connection. Decades later, the barn is still my happy place, being in the saddle energizes me, and the connection between horse and rider still astounds me.
When I returned to riding last year, I thought to myself, “This is the last thing in the world I have time for.” I was in the process of cleaning out my grandmother’s condo of 20+ years, preparing to put it on the market, working a full-time job, and visiting her every night in long-term care. I quite literally didn’t have extra time. But a good friend who rode at the barn encouraged me to find the time, and it was the best thing I ever did. Rather than feeling drained from my life, waking up early on a weekend morning when I could have been sleeping in re-energized me. I made new friends at the barn who were united in our shared love of riding, and quickly, I found my stride as an equestrian again (pun intended).
While being a caregiver didn’t lend itself to me pursuing my passion, I knew I wouldn’t always have that title, and when I didn’t anymore, I would need something to help me process my grief. Now, each weekend, I have four-legged “therapists” who are more than happy to listen to my woes, and the only co-pays they require are copious amounts of carrots for their time and patience.
I couldn’t have asked for a better transition as I slowly release my caregiver status and return to something that has helped me so much, both physically and emotionally.
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