Sharing the Love
For this Winter 2019 issue, I got to try something new. It’s the end of the year, and here I am, throwing a curve ball at you with a new department.
It’s no secret to our staff or to our avid online readers that I’m a mama. It’s really what defines me these days, as much as horses once did before
I had my daughter three years ago. Times have changed, and instead of spending my nights on the back of a whole herd of 2- and 3-year-old colts, I push my daughter on her swing until my arm aches and cook macaroni and cheese and judge the time passing each weekend by how many times I’ve heard Elsa sing “Let It Go.”
But when we aren’t watching “Frozen,” we’re in the barn with Tonto, our amazing (and aging) pony, or we’re riding out through our pastures to check her cows. Every night, my parenting skills are put to the test as I try to balance safety, fun, and horsemanship in the barn. Daily challenges include trying to communicate how much space she’s got to give Tonto when walking beside him, explaining how to get off without landing on her butt, and reminding her to keep a hold of the reins.
Luckily, though, I’ve got a few good friends to tap for tips on this familiar struggle. On page 46 in our new department “Raising Riders,” you’ll see that Shali Lord—who’s making her first return trip to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo this December since having her two kids—stepped up to provide some insights as to how she fosters her kids’ passion for horses, and how she’ll deal with it if they choose not to pursue her and her husband’s horse-industry dreams.
That column complements my new blog—“The Safe Start”—which chronicles many of the obstacles I’m facing as I’m raising a daughter in the horse world, and also taps industry experts like cowhorse trainer Casey Branquinho to help along the way. While you’re there, sign up to win a Resistol RideSafe, like my daughter wears any time she’s horseback. You’ll have a fresh chance with a new drawing each month!
We’re holding steady on all of our regular content this quarter, as well. You’ll find great health advice from Barb Crabbe, DVM, a tale of overcoming adversity with Amberley Snyder and one fan with an all-too-similar story, and amazing rides in some of the country’s most beautiful corners.
Can’t get enough? Check out our new podcast, The Ride, available on iTunes, SoundCloud, and Stitcher, and streaming anytime on HorseandRider.com, too. On The Ride, you can catch up on your favorite articles from our archives and learn about influential horsemen and horsewomen who’ve shaped the industry we love.