To Finish Is To Win.

Off on yet another tangent... 

You know, life’s major forces and be described as different styles of equestrian activity. 

Take, for instance, school. That ride has been much like an endurance race… go figure. Long stretches of trying terrain interspersed with restful vet-checks. You keep yourself going by loving the ride - and when you’re not loving it so much, you’re patiently racing (lol, juxtaposition much?) toward the finish line. Our motto in the AERC - American Endurance Ride Conference - is, “To Finish Is To Win.” Some might think that leaves a little competitiveness to be desired, but understand the complexities in a 100 mile race… you only have so many hours to finish… you MUST be fit enough to continue… your horse MUST be fit enough to continue… Much like school. I’ve been to many different schools. After I graduated from high school, I went to Animal Dynamics in Ocala, Fl. I’m a certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist. After Ocala, I went to the University of South Alabama. I thought I wanted to major in International Studies. But, no. So I went to massage school. One year later, I was a Licensed Massage Therapist. The learning doesn’t stop there! Now I’m taking classes at Wallace State Community College. From there I hope to transfer to a four-year university to finish my Bachelor’s. 

It’s been a long and challenging race. Who knows where the trail will lead next? I just know that my vet-check is over, and it’s time to saddle up and ride the next loop. Keep that Finish Line in sight!


Then, of course, there’s dating… oooohh! Everyone loves to hear juicy gossip about another‘s love life. That particular beast has given me a rough ride. I’ve temporarily dismounted and hung up my chaps. I need to reinvest in a new helmet and glove. THAT genre of life is akin to bareback bronc riding… Bouncy, Bouncy, Bouncy - “Oh Shit! That ground’s coming up fast!” But, like all good rodeo riders, we keep coming back for more. As soon as the wounds have healed completely (baggage isn’t cute) I’ll be striding bow-legged into the arena once more to hold my hat and pray to God this round will last the full 8 seconds. (no, not a sexual slur… in my arena 8 seconds ain‘t no ride!) 

Work is sort of like dressage. You start out low-level and train your ass off. You work hard, your horse works hard. Competition, clinics, lessons, ass-chewings, research, reading… and suddenly it all comes together for that next big raise and promotion. Eventually you’re the one giving clinics. Hard work, but rewarding. Dancing with horses. Juggling people, politics, and self goals. Being willing to put in the work to get the desired results. Sometimes you get instant gratification, sometimes not. It’s all a learning process.  

Much as the trail of life. You jump obstacles in your way, swim through treacherous heartaches, climb seemingly endless uphill battles, carefully negotiate the downhills, pick up a few ride-buddies along the way, and have intermittent stops to rest and recoup. Sometimes you’re ready to go on, sometimes you need to be pulled and just go back to camp. Maybe tomorrow you’ll be up at the crack of dawn, saddled and ready to go with all of life’s other competitors. It’s important to keep the fact in mind that it’s not the destination that counts… it’s the ride along the way. To Finish Is To Win.