To The Crazy Horse Girl,

Sometimes you find yourself compromising all the “normal” things just to go to the barn and see your four legged friend. Missing school dances and homecoming football games is normal to you. People make it seem like you missed out on so much, but really you're paving your own way in life. You see, we’re all different and unique in our own ways. Just because you prefer horses over humans does not make you any weirder than the next. It would be nice to be able to be an equestrian and hold up a “normal” teenage life. But reality is, you have to go for what you want in life and take every bit you can from it.

All the time and dedication you are putting into this amazing sport will pay off. The endless mornings spent riding, the nights where you miss dinner with your family, and even the girls night out you promised you would go to for the ten millionth time. Also, don’t ever feel bad about “ditching” that one guy you really like. If he cares for you; he will understand that this sport is your life. I understand, it sucks and sometimes it would be easier to just quit. But quitting would mean giving up everything you’ve sacrificed for this sport.

Just think about the feeling you get when you win your class at the next show. You worked so hard, riding almost everyday; training your hardest to be in shape. Yes, it’s hard. No one said this sport was easy. It takes a certain kind of person to be able to deal with the constant ups and downs of the equestrian world. Trust me when I say, you will get through this. Your homework will get done and that group project that's due next week will be finished before you know it. Besides, there's always a horse waiting for you at the barn. And maybe even a stall or two that needs to be mucked out.

I understand that it’s very stressful now. Having to balance out school work and barn time is more complicated than you thought. Sometimes you only get a granola bar and apple to eat for the day. The amount of people who stare at you for wearing your tan colored breeches is annoying and makes you feel self conscious. Just remember they don’t know what it’s like to rush from the last class of the day to a lesson thirty minutes away.

The saying “horse people are crazy” is more true than anyone knows. We wake up at ungodly hours just to fit in horse time. We like to get on a thousand pound animal and tell it what to do. We even jump them over colorful objects. Normal things to us like water bottles, plastic bags and even flowers scare our trusty steeds, and sometimes we end up with our butts in the dirt. On top of it all, we have to “keep our eyes up and heels down” constantly. So why do we do what we do? Because we’re equestrians.

This sport is a one of a kind experience, one that can never be replaced. So take a deep breath, live this life, and go enjoy the beautiful crisp morning ride. Take an extra ten minutes after un-tacking and enjoy the smell of sweaty horse. Life can change so fast. And no matter what, never regret being an equestrian. You are a part of a whole community who has gone through many compromises for the sport they love. At the end of the day there’s always horse hugs and carrots.