When I was in elementary school, my daily bus ride carried us past a horse farm. Sometimes, I would see riders out in the ring and I’d press my face against the window to watch until they were out of sight, wishing I were with them. My family didn’t have horses then and I’d only been riding a handful of times, yet those horses and riders filled my dreams and I vowed that I would someday be one of them.
Fifteen years later, I was out for a ride on my favorite horse, Mo, when a school bus drove past. I spotted a young girl in the back, her nose and fingers leaving smudges on the glass as she watched me, and I laughed at how things had come full circle. I was now the rider, and I was inspiring the next generation of equestrians.
One of the things I love most about horses is the way they act as a mediator between us and the world around us. They teach us about connecting with creatures that don’t speak the same language as us. They help us learn patience and compassion. They become our willing partners in exploring beautiful places, and through it all, they show us a better way to see the natural world.
The things I’ve learned throughout my years as an equestrian led me to a career in sustainability and outreach. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management and Youth Leadership and a Master’s in Organic Farming and Food Production systems. I have taught agriculture education classes for several years, and I’m excited to combine my passion for horses with my passion for sustainability as I join the Horses for Clean Water team.
I’d love to hear how your own experience with horses has shaped how you see the world and your place in it.
Jess
