Rising in the Saddle

The stable is my haven. It’s a place where I mature, discover joy, and most importantly, a place where I seek shelter from the elements outside. Whenever school and daily life leave me stressed or overwhelmed, I always find freedom in the rhythm of horseback riding and the quiet comfort of caring for my horses. As an equestrian rider, being surrounded by horses calms me in a way nothing else can. During exam season, or when life feels too chaotic, my mind starts to become so clouded, and I feel disoriented. But the moment I step into the stable, the cloudiness in my mind fades away because my great friends always embrace me. 

My story with horses began long before I truly became a rider. As an eight-year-old girl, I remembered the first time I stood before a horse—it was towering, powerful, but gentle. At that moment, I knew I had found something extraordinary because of its confidence and demure gentleness in the eyes, the way I feel about my mother. Years later, when I finally had the chance to ride, it felt like a dream I had been carrying quietly in my heart over the years that had finally come true, and a promise I made to my younger self was finally kept.  

The first time I sat in the saddle, my heartbeat raced; my whole body also felt tense. The height, the sway of the horse, and the rhythm of its steps all made me nervous yet thrilled, as if every step carried both fear and excitement. After that day, riding was no longer just a dream; it became my journey. Every step felt like a conversation, every jump a test of courage, and every pause a moment that made me reflect. The horse I once admired from far away had now become my partner and my friend, teaching me how to trust, how to breathe, and how to embrace the moment. 

I take great pleasure in soaring over obstacles on horseback. In those moments, I don’t need to think about the grade or deadlines, only the rhythm between me and my horse. It’s pure focus, pure connection. That degree of trust, teamwork, and partnership gives me both a sense of achievement and security. When I’m sad or anxious, the horse can feel it. Sometimes, it gently rests its head on my shoulder, as if to say, “It’s okay to be not okay.” In that instant, I felt a sense of healing. 

Yet, this journey is not always smooth. Behind every graceful ride and jump are falls, mistakes, and frustration. Learning to ride meant facing endless hurdles, and sometimes I even question myself, "Should I keep going? Am I strong enough?" Those thoughts often appear in my mind when I look at the bruises on my arms, legs, and back. They are temporary tattoos of painful reminders of what it means to become a rider. Still, every time I fall, I choose to stand again without hesitation because of that gentleness in their eyes, where I find strength.  

Chelsea is a 9th grader with a deep passion for horseback riding. She finds confidence, courage, and calm in the stable, where caring for her horses has become both her joy and her inspiration. Through every ride and every challenge, Chelsea continues to grow—not just as a rider, but as a person.