Back in the saddle

 

Once the permanency of our COVID-19 relocation to northern Virginia sunk in, I thought that I might as well try to find a barn. Loudoun County is synonymous with horse country. Though the likes of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the Mellons, Robert “Bobby” Duval, and Christopher Reeves propelled Loudoun’s horse community into the celebrity spotlight, the county’s association with horses dates back much further. Take for instance the Upperville Colt and Horse Show established in 1853 which remains one of the premier shows of the East Coast every year. You don’t need to be rich and famous to ride out here. It is a hobby that spans every demographic in the county. 

 

Whether it is riding a horse or a bike, sewing, reading, cooking, writing, to name but a few, having a passion that is yours, and yours alone, is important. As working parents, our lives are pretty stacked from sun up to sun down. There is often little space to call your own. Passions help to carve out that space and give us a moment to be with our own thoughts. I love getting photos of girlfriends on their runs in -20C in Canada or doing a solo kayak trip on their local river. It brings a smile to my face to know that friends are taking time for themselves. 

 

Being back in the saddle has brought me so much joy. But it has also taught me a few other things that I wanted to share with you today.

 

First off, being back in the saddle showed me just how out of shape I was. My first few months of riding were really humiliating, as I spent the majority of my 30 mins lesson gasping for breath and walking. It really was a reality check for me that although I walk everyday and do yoga regularly, this is not the same as aerobic exercise like running or playing tennis. And we all know that as we get older, aerobic exercise becomes even more important. 

 

This brings me to a second reflection which is that passions require dedication. Despite being humiliating at first by my physical fitness, I kept going back. Have you ever tried getting back into something that you once did really well? It requires a complete abandonment of the ego. But once you do, it is remarkable what happens both in the brain and in the mind. I love the feeling of satisfaction I have every time I get off the horse and marvel at what I accomplished compared to the last time. And upping the challenge every time keeps your mind fresh and teaches you that no matter your age or ability, success comes from steady practice.

 

Lastly, I’ve really enjoyed watching my son take to the idea of caring for something besides his Hotwheels. At first, he came with me to the barn because he had to. Now he wants to join me. He loves brushing Berlino, picking out his hooves, and feeding him apples. When I am done with my lesson, my son likes to walk into the ring to lead Berlino back to the cross-ties. Berlino nuzzles him and they have these small bonding moments. I knew we were on to something when the other Sunday, my son asked if we could go feed Berlino apples even though I hadn’t intended on going to the barn that day (see photo below). No matter what inspires you and brings you a moment to yourself, try to share it with your family. You never know how your habits will cultivate your little one’s interests. 

 

Perhaps you are staring guiltily at that guitar or those running shoes you’ve pushed into the closet. No matter what it might be, try ‘being’ with it, even if only for 10 mins in the beginning. As most yoga teachers will tell you, “Just roll out the mat and sit on it everyday.” The idea being that “showing up on your mat” regularly is the key. Your mind and body will take over from there.

 

Wishing you success in cultivating (or re-cultivating) your own passions! I’d love to hear what they are.