By Abby Stilwell 

By Abby Stilwell 

All sports, hobbies, and passions come with their ups and downs — but for equestrians, the ride often feels more like a full-blown roller coaster, complete with higher highs, deeper lows, and plenty of unexpected twists, sharp turns, and loop-the-loops. Much of this stems from the fact that the sport relies not only on the rider and their equipment, but also on a 1,200-pound living partner — one that, at times, seems determined to invent new and creative ways to injure itself. 

Setting goals is something we are all familiar with, in many facets of our lives. From the time we are kids in school, we learn about the importance of goal setting. That said, sometimes I find when I am busy managing my professional career, trying to raise two well-rounded boys, and keeping our household afloat, my equestrian goals seem to be the first to take a backseat.

When the temperature drops and daylight hours shorten, the onset of winter can bring that familiar sinking feeling for many equestrians — especially if you don’t have access to a heated indoor arena. Cold, dark days make enjoying our equestrian lifestyles more challenging, and staying motivated takes a little extra effort. This is something I have felt all my life, and I honestly believe it’s at least partially why I struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Suddenly, the thing that brings me happiness — my horses — becomes more difficult to enjoy.