It’s been a couple of months since I last swung a leg over the saddle—and honestly, it felt longer than that. Life got busy, priorities shifted, and riding quietly took a back seat. While the time away gave me space to focus on work and some personal transitions, I missed the rhythm of barn life, the grounding energy of horses, and the quiet confidence that comes from a good ride.
This week, I finally got back in the saddle—not once, but twice—and with two different horses. And it reminded me why I always return to this part of my life, no matter how far I stray.
The first ride was exactly what I needed: slow, steady, and familiar. I rode a seasoned horse who helped me shake off the cobwebs without judgment. We didn’t do anything fancy. No pressure, no expectations. Just a quiet hack around the ring, reconnecting with my seat and breath. It felt like catching up with an old friend—easy, comforting, and a little nostalgic.
My second ride was with a different horse—more sensitive, more responsive. He asked more of me, and I felt those muscles I hadn’t used in a while reminding me loudly that they’d been on hiatus. But I welcomed the challenge. I needed the reminder that riding isn’t just physical—it’s mental. It’s about being present, listening deeply, and rebuilding trust with yourself and your horse.
Taking time off from something you love can stir up a lot of emotions—guilt, frustration, anxiety, even fear that you won’t find your way back. But getting back into the saddle taught me (again) that progress doesn’t come from pushing yourself to the limit. It comes from showing up, staying curious, and being okay with starting where you are.
I don’t know what my riding routine will look like just yet, but I do know that I’m glad I made space for it again. Riding has always been a part of how I find balance, and this little reset reminded me why it’s worth carving out time for the things that make you feel most like yourself.
Here’s to more time at the barn, more growth in the saddle, and giving ourselves grace in the process.
Have you ever taken time off from something you love? How did it feel getting back into it? Let me know in the comments.
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