Both Emma and Jessica have posted recently about what blogging means to them (along with a bunch of people I’m sorry for not linking I promise I read them!!!). I really enjoyed both posts (and the new blogs I found because of them!), but had no plans to chime in.
But I’m a certified content stealer, and recently spent some time going through the archives as we approach 2 years with Frankie. And I had a lot of emotions about it. A LOT. Y’all know I get sappy REAL easy.
Many of you have been here since the beginning of this blog 3 years ago. I had just gotten into the saddle after a multi-year hiatus from all things horses, was half-leasing the DragonMare, and was getting ready for my first show in 10 years.
Getting to share that journey back into the show ring was incredible. All of a sudden I had this community where I could dissect every nitty-gritty stride of a lesson, talk endlessly about grooming my horse, acknowledge my nerves and shortcomings in competition- and not once did anyone say, “enough is enough, can you talk about anything besides horses??” There was this whole world of people to cheer our successes, commiserate and comfort our setbacks, and who I could talk with about ponies nonstop.
In a huge way, discovering the blogging community developed my growing commitment to riding so much more quickly than it otherwise would have. You all were here to say, “we totally understand that this makes your soul happy. Go for it.” (I’m blaming y’all enablers for making me go broke, btw).
This blog has evolved a lot over the years- when I started, it was mainly lesson/show reviews. It hasn’t been intentional, but I’ve slowly moved away from that- when is the last time we saw a dedicated lesson review?? We still do show recaps, but the rest of my posts are now more big-picture about mine and Frankie’s path, and thoughts about the industry that I spend more and more of my time in.
This blog has chronicled every step of my journey, from a half-leaser in the 2’6″ local hunters, to chasing AO jumper dreams at the big shows with my very own unicorn. If you had told me when I started this blog that we would be here today, I would have laughed in your face. I still can’t really believe how fortunate I am to be able to do this.
So what does blogging mean to me? A whole heck of a lot. It’s been a diary to track my progress in lessons, shows, and other training opportunities- and somewhere for me to review for encouragement when I feel like the progress isn’t happening as fast as I’d like. It’s been a forum to connect with knowledgeable, supportive, incredible horsewomen. It’s been the way that I’ve met some of my closest friends. It’s been a way to ask for advice. It’s been a place for me to organize my scattered thoughts.
Y’all are awesome, and I’m grateful for you every day. Cheers to this wonderful, weird, crazy amazing blogging community!
Awww this is so sweet! I would absolutely agree – “I had this community where I could dissect every nistride of a lesson, talk endlessly about grooming my horse, acknowledge my nerves and shortcomings in competition- and not once did anyone say, “enough is enough, can you talk about anything besides horses??” There was this whole world of people to cheer our successes, commiserate and comfort our setbacks, and who I could talk with about ponies nonstop.” Um yes!! I do think that’s one of the best things about this community. We’re all horse crazy, so we all really really get it. I came in later than when you started blogging, but slowly but surely I’ve been reading those from the very beginning, eager to know more than just where I happened to find a blog :). Thanks for sharing this!
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The equestrian blogging community is INCREDIBLE. I’m often humbled by the friends I’ve made, help I’ve received and all the cool things I’ve gotten to do because of it!
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This niche of the internet is amazing!
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I don’t know if you find that you do this but when talking to real life people about horses I’ll say “oh this other friend I have has had a similar issue…or oh listen to this fun story about this friend…” and those friends I’m talking about are the Bloggers! I know I haven’t really met anyone in person but it’s really fun to follow along (even if I’ve been a silent stalker…er reader… for most of the time haha) I found your blog a little bit before you found Frankie so haven’t been following the whole time but I love reading about your fancy pony and all the exciting things you do!!
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It’s definitely a community I’m glad to have stumbled across too! Blogs are always evolving; I think because WE’RE always evolving. So naturally our content moves along with us. I miss writing show recaps, but I’m having a ton of fun sharing my ridiculous boot collection and the ever increasing size of Jamp’s girth.
I’m definitely living vicariously through your and Frankie’s adventures. So thanks for sharing with all of us!
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i love this – and am glad you added your own perspective. it’s amazing and surprising and kinda revolutionary how the simple act of blogging about my horse habit has affected my world view and attitude. and likewise, it’s been so so so cool to follow along with other horse people as their own horse journeys unfold and evolve in so many new and exciting ways. you and frankie are such a great team and it’s been great seeing you develop!
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