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It is with a heavy heart that I write this, knowing how much Apollo meant to so many people. On Christmas Day, our old sage (he was well into his 30’s!) began his journey across the rainbow bridge. Twelve years ago, I intercepted him as he was being passed from sale barns to horse traders. Giving him a soft place to land, surrounded by love, allowed him to truly flourish in our care. I named him Apollo after the Greek God of healing…little did I know how much he would fulfill his namesake.
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 Fear is a natural companion when we face something for the first time—or the first time again after a setback. For riders, returning to the saddle after an accident, injury, or surgery can stir up a swirl of emotions: nervousness, doubt, and those “what if” thoughts that creep in uninvited.
Recently, I experienced this myself after recovering from a Laterjet shoulder surgery. Getting back in the saddle was not just about riding again—it was about rebuilding trust, honoring my body’s healing, and reconnecting with myself through the steady presence of my horse. Let's explore 3 strategies to get back in the saddle...  Reflect and connect: reflection as a powerful coaching tool.
Out in nature is where I connect most to my authentic self and can become fully engulfed in the present moment. During a trail ride, as the trail led to an end after trying multiple possible leads to find the next trail opening, we had to turn back from the direction which we came. Sometimes our journey in life leads us down paths that have an ending and no clear route forward. Through the coaching relationship we are able to reflect and gain new perspectives on your journey. Reflection is a powerful tool that gives you the opportunity to connect to your Self. With this new insight, as we walked down the same trail in reverse, I was able to be present and appreciate the new views which were previously out of sight behind me when we embarked on the trail. It gave me the opportunity to see the trail from a new perspective! -Are you feeling stuck and at the end of a trail in life? -Struggling to gain perspective in a relationship? 📍Connect with me today to discover clarity on your way forward and experience the power of reflection with in person Equine Coaching or remote Life Coaching! Overcoming Fear in Riding—and in LifeFear is a natural part of learning, whether you’re a first-time rider or have years of experience in the saddle. For many, the most common fears include falling off, being injured by the horse, or even unintentionally hurting the horse. These worries can feel overwhelming, but they are also opportunities for growth.
One of my younger students asked me a powerful question: “How can I keep riding if I can’t get over my fear?” She was nervous about letting go of the saddle at the trot in order to slow her horse with the reins. When I asked what she feared most, she immediately replied, “falling off.” Interestingly, she had never actually fallen off before. This opened the door for a coaching moment: helping her explore how her thoughts and perceptions were shaping her experience. |
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December 2025
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