I spent the better half of my childhood at the barn or in a saddle. I wasn't always sold on the idea of riding horses, but when my Mom started managing a show stable near my hometown and I had to tag along every morning to work with her at the stables, I quickly picked up and fell in love with horseback riding. I was so lucky to have my own perfect pony (Honey) that I trotted from show to show, lesson to lesson and year to year with. But unlike some other sports, horseback riding is not something that can easily be done once you've graduated from high school. College teams can be expensive and time consuming, and sometimes you just don't have the energy to get back in the saddle. My horseback riding career unfortunately ended when I left for college, and for all those other ex-riders out there, you know that there are some things that only an ex-rider will miss .

1. Your Horse.

The one thing I miss more than anything about my riding is the constant companionship of my horse. My horse wasn't just some animal; she was my best friend. And I know that is incredibly cheesy, but it's true. I trust my horse more than most of my friends, and we shared a bond that only a horse and her rider will understand.

2. The Smell of the Barn.

This may seem strange, but to some ex-riders, the smell of hay, horses, sweet-feed, and even manure are pretty comforting.

3. The Rush.

I can't begin to describe the exhilaration you feel when you take off at a full gallop across a field on your horse. It's the mixture of adrenaline and joy you feel when flying with your horse that is like a drug for riders, and the feeling is so unique because of the trust you know you are implicitly putting in your horse to not throw you or hurt you.

4. Getting Back in the Saddle.

If you have ridden for an extended period of time, then you have likely fallen from the saddle a couple times (or in my case like thirty times). But, there is a great pride that comes with falling off your horse and getting right back in the saddle. It's a saying for a reason after all.

5. Your Name Getting Called in the Arena.

The first time I heard the announcer say, "and taking home the blue ribbon we have Lindy Smith riding Miss Social Butterfly," I didn't think I would ever be able to wipe that stupid grin off my face. It's an amazing feeling hearing the crowd roar after your name gets called in the arena.

6. Shopping for Tack.

There was a time when buying a new pad or fly mask or shipping wraps for my horse was way more important than buying a new iPhone or Anthropologie shirt, and I miss that.

7. Being Really Good at Something.

Horseback riding is not like other sports. It involves an animal and some very distinct skills, which means transitioning from horseback riding to another sport is not super easy. So, any ex-rider will know the frustration you feel when trying to convince people that you really were sporty and will miss what it feels like to do something that you really excel in.

8. Learning a New Trick.

This is probably similar to a lot of sports, but the joy that comes from being able to jump with no hands, post with no stirrups, or tackle your first cross country course successfully is unbelievable.

Horse camp was this amazing place where you got to ride horses all day, every day during the summer. It was crazy exhausting but also crazy fun, especially because you finally got to hang out with all horse crazy people.

Any girl/guy who got in the saddle regularly had some serious definition in their legs, specifically some toned inner thighs and muscle-y calves. **Moment of silence for when I was in top riding shape**

11. The Hectic Schedule.

This may sound strange, but the crazy schedule of a horseback rider was one of my favorite things about riding. The fact that I got to leave school early to make it to my afternoon lessons and jet set on the weekends to different shows and competitions made riding that much more of an adventure.

12. The Quiet.

Although riding with friends is great, riding by yourself can be even better. Being alone with just your horse out on some trail is where you can get some much needed peace and quiet and do some thinking when need be.

13. Fancy Outfits.

Whether you donned breeches and blazers like me or chaps and cowboy hats like the western ladies, getting all dolled up for a show was one of the best parts about it. I loved how elegant I felt in my nice breeches, fancy blazer with my number pinned on the back, and shiny show boots. I would wear this outfit daily if I could.

14. The People.

Horse people are a special brand of crazy. A horseback rider is usually a rider for life and wouldn't likely hesitate to jump in the saddle and give it a go even if they haven't ridden in 10 years. Horse people never fear horses; they respect them. Horse people are adventurous and boisterous with a dash of crazy, which means they are the best people.

15. Everything.

But really, an ex-rider will likely miss everything. I miss the simplicity of riding, the just needing me and my horse to get away from the world for a while. I miss mucking stalls for the simplicity of the task. I miss bathing my horse for the shared moments of closeness. I miss breaking in my new riding boots by stomping around the house in wet socks to soften the leather. I miss cleaning my tack after a long ride. I miss my knees giving out when my feet hit the ground after a grueling lesson without stirrups. I miss absolutely everything about being a rider and most ex-riders will feel the same way.

But, I know that even though I do not show and I no longer take lessons, I have many more days in the saddle ahead of me. Once a rider, always a rider.