There’s a certain kind of anticipation that builds quietly over winter at the barn. It’s in the way you linger a little longer after rides, the extra layers you pile on without thinking, and the constant checking of the forecast,…
Why Barn Time Is the Best Therapy I’ve Found
Over the past few weeks, I’ve found myself with a little more downtime than usual. Many of the horses at the barn are currently enjoying some well-earned fun in the sun at a horse show in Florida, which means the…
My First Barn Day of 2026
There’s something about stepping back into the barn that instantly makes everything feel right again. Even when the calendar says 2026 is already moving full speed ahead, the barn has a way of slowing time down—of reminding me to breathe,…
Finding a Piece of Home When Everything Feels New
The thing about traveling that I’ve been reminded of on this trip to Europe is how foreign everything feels when you have to navigate life in a new country. And before you say, “Well, duh, Vanessa, you are in another…
Rediscovering the Magic of Horse Shows as an Adult
One of my favorite things to do when I was younger was to go to horse shows as a spectator. I still love it just as much now, but life—and time—often gets in the way. This past weekend, though, the…
A Look at the Last 3 Years Back in the Saddle
This week marked three years since I returned to riding. How did I know? Facebook reminded me of the milestone. Despite the passage of time, it feels like just yesterday when a friend suggested I visit her at the barn….
Falling Gracefully: Lessons Learned from Hitting the Ground as an Adult Equestrian
If you ride horses long enough, inevitably, you will have a fall. That’s why every equestrian learns early in their riding career that when you fall off, you get right back on. So, when I found myself unceremoniously dismounted from…
On My Calendar: Barn Time
Yesterday, I found my way back to the barn, and it was just what I needed. While I knew it had been a while since I last had time in the saddle, I didn’t realize nearly a month had gone…
Say Hello to the Ghost Rider
I hope everyone had a happy Halloween! Ironically, it wasn’t until I became an adult that I started enjoying Halloween. But now, I love the holiday (and watching Reels on Instagram showcasing some seriously creative people doing their Halloween makeup…
How Horses Help My Mental Health
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…
Back in the Saddle: One Year Later
Well, it’s official—I’ve been back to riding for one full year! I guess what they say is true; time flies when you’re having fun. While I’ve never doubted my love for the equestrian sport, I have questioned my ability to…
An Equestrian Walks Into a Tack Store…
When was the last time you thought about how much something costs? Probably pretty recently, right? Maybe it was your last trip to the grocery store or this morning when you got your coffee. For me, it was over the…
