Rediscover Your Moxie as an Equestrian

Me and Tiger

Passion and purpose—two words that carry so much weight, especially in the equestrian world. While deeply interconnected, they play distinct roles in every rider’s life. Passion is the spark, the fire in your belly that keeps you coming back to the barn, no matter the early mornings or unpredictable weather. Purpose, though? Purpose is what gives that spark a deeper meaning. It's why you saddle up and keep going when the maneuvers get tougher or when training doesn’t go according to plan. Purpose is what fuels you when your passion feels a little dull. I call this our Moxie.

Here’s how to reignite your passion, rediscover your purpose, and get back in the saddle with your unique equestrian moxie.

Let's face it—life as an equestrian can get a little, well, messy. Between early mornings at the barn, balancing finances for yet another vet bill, and figuring out just how hay manages to show up everywhere (seriously, how does it get in your car’s cup holder?), it’s easy to lose sight of why we fell in love with horses in the first place. But don’t worry—you’re not alone, and the road to rediscovering your purpose (or as I like to call it, “getting our moxie back”) is closer than you think.

You see, for us equestrians, living a purpose-driven life is deeply tied to our bond with horses. It’s not just about ribbons, perfect transitions, or keeping that stubborn chestnut mare from outsmarting us (again). It’s about reconnecting with why we saddle up at all and reigniting the fire that makes us equestrians through and through.

Step 1: Reflect in the Saddle (Or on the Ground)

Grab a moment of stillness (yes, even if it’s in a dusty arena) and reflect on what being an equestrian has meant to you in the past.

• Think back to that ride that made you feel unstoppable. Remember the wind in your face and the sense of sheer freedom?

• Challenge yourself: What obstacles have you overcome with your equine partners, whether it was mastering a tricky jump course or building trust with a nervous rescue horse?

• Revisit moments of joy: From quiet barn nights grooming to your horse’s simple nicker at feeding time, what moments fill your heart?

This self-reflection is your anchor. It helps you reconnect with those pure, unbridled emotions that initially drew you into the equestrian life.

Step 2: Play to Your Strengths in Horsemanship

Spoiler alert: Equestrians are fed up with being undersold for their talents. From patience and resilience to empathy and problem-solving, these are skills we cultivate daily alongside our horses—and not just in the arena.

• Are you a “horse whisperer”? Maybe your quiet demeanor helps calm even the spookiest gelding.

• Master problem-solver? That’s code for adjusting to unexpected loose shoe disasters mid-trail ride.

• Perseverance? Ever sat through four refusals at a show and gave it one more shot? Yeah, you’ve got it in spades.

These strengths don’t just strengthen your horsemanship—they carry over into every aspect of your life and define what makes you, you.

Step 3: Explore and Expand Your Horizons

Here’s the honest truth—sometimes we equestrians forget to have fun. Instead of stressing over lead changes or getting those elusive perfect scores, why not shake things up a little?

• Try a new discipline: Always been curious about reining, mounted archery, or even liberty work? Give it a go!

• Attend clinics: Watch and learn from industry experts, test new techniques, and get inspiration to refresh your riding goals.

• Volunteer: Head to an equine therapy center or rescue. Helping others (two- or four-legged) often reminds us why we love horses in the first place.

New challenges not only push us out of our comfort zones but reignite our sense of purpose and identity in the equestrian world.

Step 4: Find Your Herd

No, not your literal herd of horses—but your community. Surround yourself with equestrians who “get it.” The people who understand your endless tack talk, your heartbreak over a lame horse, and your indescribable joy after a great ride.

• Mentors: Look up to riders, trainers, or barn peers who inspire you. They’re walking proof of what’s possible and might be the ones to give you guidance when you need it the most.

• Fellow Riders: Find your people—those barn besties who will laugh with you over mud stains and help you brainstorm your next riding goal.

• Online Communities: Not everyone has a local barn full of camaraderie. Join equestrian Facebook groups or forums where you can share wins, vent frustrations, and snag advice.

It truly takes a village (or herd) to thrive as an equestrian.

Step 5: Align with Your Values

At its heart, the equestrian life is about more than just riding—it’s about nurturing our love for horses and creating an environment where they thrive too.

Ask yourself:

• What means most to me? Is it horse welfare and education? Is it building a connection with your horse above all else?

• Am I living in a way that supports these values? Maybe that means dedicating time to equine welfare causes or focusing on positive reinforcement training methods.

By ensuring your life reflects these values, you’re not just rediscovering purpose—you’re defining who you are as both a rider and a person.

Step 6: Take Action (One Hoof at a Time)

It’s easy to spend hours lost in dreamy barn-day nostalgia, but purpose requires action. Think about what steps you can take to feel more connected to your equestrian identity.

• Compete: If competition excites you, set goals and work towards them—big or small.

• Coach: Share your passion and help others grow in their equine journeys. Your experience could inspire a beginner rider to fall in love with horses.

• Contribute to the Community: Volunteer, write, or advocate for causes that align with your equestrian values.

Even the smallest steps—like showing up, holding the reins, and being present for your horse—can make a huge difference.

The Final Gallop to Get Your Moxie Back

Being an equestrian is more than a sport. It’s a lifestyle, a mindset, and a connection to something deeper than ourselves. Rediscovering your purpose is about remembering why you chose this beautifully challenging path and deciding where you want it to take you next.

Reframe. Reflect. Rein in. Find your moxie, one trot stride at a time.

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