Most girls grow up playing with dolls, playing dress up, and exploring the world of makeup. They dream of being Cinderella and finding their own Prince Charming.

Well, I didn't grow up like most girls.

I grew up riding horses. I showed them, I took them trail riding, I explored with them.

They were such a huge part of my life. I remember pulling into the driveway and seeing my horses all pick up their heads at the sound of the vehicle. I remember watching them run towards the fence, then watching them run along like they were chasing us.

When I close my eyes, I can see my horse's head bobbing up and down, as I sit on her back, and she runs through the field. I can see my dad and I washing my horse in the driveway, wearing basketball shorts and big boots.

I can hear the sound of the announcer, as I sit so still on my horse in the middle of the arena, waiting to hear what place I got. I can feel the rush of relief through my body as I hear him call my name, awarding me first place.

There are so many opportunities that growing up with horses brought me. I learned how to get my hands dirty and not to be afraid of mud or dirt. I was the definition of a tomboy, and I loved it.

I spent my days outside with my horses, working and improving with them, or just running around and exploring.

Not only did growing up with horses give me a fun way to spend my time, it taught me a lot as well.

I learned responsibility.

It was my job to take care of the horses, and I learned quickly how much work that really was. But the hard work and the chores never outweighed the love that I had for my horses.

I am truly so thankful that I was lucky enough to get to grow up being the horse girl.

I got the chance to not only learn how to ride and train a horse, but I got the chance to have a loving relationship with each and every one of them. Horses are incredibly loving animals, and I will never forget the times that I had with them.

While some girls grew up with dolls, I grew up with horses.

And I wouldn't have it any other way.