What Riding Means To Me by Lizzy Plaia, Guest Post

Adventures in Saddle Seat

Enjoy the ride.

 
Every year, the ASHAA gives Outstanding Youth Awards. The application includes academics, extra-curricular activities, community service/volunteerism, and an essay (ASHAA > Forms > Outstanding Youth Application). The Junior winner ( 12 & under) this year was a rider from Stepping Stone Farm. She has agreed to let me run her winning essay as a guest post. Welcome Lizzy.

Previous Essay Winners
[What Riding Means To Me: Christopher Wamble]
[Why I Ride by Rachel Wamble]
[Why I Ride by Katie Wood]
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What Riding Means To Me
by Mary Elizabeth “Lizzy” Plaia.

Before riding I was afraid, anxious and scared. My doctor recommended riding so I went for it. Due to my illness I had little endurance or exercise tolerance. I couldn’t even ride my own bike before I started riding saddle seat.

When I first rode a horse, I was scared and nervous like what if it’s going to kick me off. As I took lessons, I started to get used to it and I wasn’t as afraid. I knew it was still going to hurt, but I could tell that my joints were going to feel better. Now I don’t have to worry about my joints hurting because they are normal. Riding now is fun and I don’t have to worry about my pain because it’s not as bad as it used to be. 

I also met so many new people because of riding. I made new friends pretty easy. All I had to do was to say “hi” and they became friends with me. I feel free with my friends  I like to hang out with my barn friends at competitions or just hang out at the barn. My favorite thing to do is spend time with my sweet horse who loves me so.

Saddle seat riding makes me feel stronger, free, and courageous. Which is not what I felt like before I got on that first horse.