Things I Wish I Could Tell My Junior Self

When you’re a junior in the hunter/jumper/equitation world, so much emphasis is placed on what you “need” to accomplish before aging out. I always pictured a proverbial ticking clock and imagined that once I officially turned 18, I’d be ready to apply for “grandma status” and sink into irrelevance.

Looking back now, it’s easy to laugh at that mindset—the pressure (both external and internal) and the looming sense that you’re running out of time. Situations or relationships I once viewed as insurmountable obstacles now seem trivial in the rearview mirror. Reflecting on it, there’s so much advice I wish I could have given my younger self (though I probably wouldn’t have listened). Here are a few things that come to mind:

Barn Drama
Hot take: I’m actually friends now with some of the girls I had the most barn drama with as a junior. Honestly, I can’t even remember what most of our 16-year-old conflicts were about. It’s not simple at the time, but give people grace. Being a teenager, I can almost guarantee you and your barn “opponents” are more alike than you think.

For Richer or Poorer
There will always be bigger fish in the sea. Whether you’re 16, 30, or 60, there will always be people in the sport with more money than you. They’ll have better trainers, nicer horses, newer trucks, and seemingly endless opportunities. If this reality becomes a chip on your shoulder and keeps you from growing as a rider, this might not be the sport for you. That fact won’t change—so either focus on yourself or find something else to do.

Life Doesn’t End at 18
So much emphasis is placed on your junior “career.” By all means, soak up as much knowledge and experience as you can during those years. Learn from as many people as possible and become a better horseperson. But remember: plenty of riders with stellar junior careers go on to quit or have lackluster amateur/professional careers. Likewise, many amateurs or professionals with no notable junior success go on to become Olympians. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

It’s Not Your Parents’ Fault
Your teenage years are often the most tumultuous in your relationship with your parents. They’re doing their best to support your riding. If your parents show up to cheer you on at shows, you’re lucky. In most cases, they’re simply doing what they think is right. Try not to be too hard on them.

Horses Will Always Be There
When you’re a junior, it feels like if you don’t accomplish your goals now, you never will. I promise that’s not the case. If you want to take a break to focus on school, friends, family, or your career, that’s completely valid. Horses and the sport will always be there—don’t be afraid to take time and live your life. You can always come back.

I asked you guys what advice you guys would give your younger selves - this is some of what you had to say:

• “You’ll find yourself a better more confident rider as an ammy, don’t be afraid to age”
• “Just because you can’t afford this sport now doesn’t mean you’re behind. You’ll catch up”
• “No one is actually think about about you. Focus on yourself” 
• "Surround yourself with good people - they become your tool box and subconscious values"s