Why I love endurance – there's lots of reasons!

I have to admit that I wasn't really hooked on my first ride. Looking back I think it had more to do with where I was in my life at that time, I just had a lot on my mind and my plate.

I was a young mom, Ryan was just over a year and my first ride was the first time I had left him overnight. I was worried that my husband would struggle and never want to let me do this again. I had a great time but I wasn't really hooked. Then almost a year later I did my second ride and this time I was hooked. I started thinking about conditioning strategies and goals and feeding and oh so many things and I was definitely hooked!

I love the challenge. I love that there are so many challenges in this sport. Do you want to go faster, farther, more miles in one season, try a more difficult ride, the possibilities are endless!!!

I also love that there is so much to learn about conditioning strategies, how a horse works mechanically, how a horse works metabolically, electrolytes etc... The list of what you can learn is endless as well.

I love the people in this sport. I love how they are quick to help, even if it messes up their own ride.

I love the time out in nature with my horse. Endurance has become my little personal escape. I'm a mom with young kids and I watch more young kids 10 hours a day, 5 days a week. Although I love my job and I love being a mom, sometimes I need a break. It feel good to get out and do something for me. Something that pushes me to learn, to be stronger.

Their is something else that endurance has made me realize, that is how many people love me and will give up their times and resources to help me.

You know the saying that it takes a village to raise a child, well it takes a village for me to be able to ride.

Every time I condition someone has to watch my kids. Most of the time that is my wonderful husband but if he's busy or out of town I almost always get a call from my mom or my in-laws asking when I need to ride and if they can watch the kids for me. Same thing with actual rides. My kids either come with and my mom hangs out with them or they stay at my in-laws when their Dad is at work and then stay with him the rest of the time.

I'm too broke to afford my own truck and trailer so a good friend hauls me to rides. I have other friends who haul Bunny to better conditioning spots from time to time just so I can get an added boost in my conditioning program.

My mom and friends crew for me at rides. My mom has gone to almost every ride I have done. She helps me out with all kinds of stuff. She even stayed up till after 2am to be there when I finished my 100 miler and help me take care of my horse.

Lots of people go out of their way to help me be able to pursue my dreams. They do it because they love me and they know how much this sport means to me. At some point during every ride I end up thinking about that and realizing once again, what a lucky girl I am!!!!

A big thank you to all of you who help makes my dreams a reality! 

I love this picture because it was one of those times, we were just having a wonderful time. 

Flying down the trail enjoying each others company! All four feet off the ground.