See All Ready

Hi there, I'm Alana! And welcome to "En Omnia Paratus." I'm sure you're wondering just what that means. I am a long time Gilmore Girls fan, and my favorite episode was entitled "You Jump, I Jump, Jack." In this episode they explore a secret underground society, whose catch phrase is "en omnia paratus." En Omnia Paratus is a latin phrase meaning "ready for anything" (literal translation is "see all ready" hence the title of this post.) Throughout my life and riding career, I know (like many others!) I have been through many ups and downs. But I kept riding, and proving that I was just that; ready for anything. 

I am a freshman in college this year, studying biomedical sciences, with a minor in French. I am extremely fortunate, because though my family cannot afford a horse, I am given the opportunity by my riding instructors to work with a snarky, short, stocky, fluffy, scared shitless, SPOILED 14.2hh morgan pony mutt named JJ, Joseph, Josephine, Broseph, Brosephina, Just Get Over It, Dorkus, Sassafrass, Lassy, but more commonly Joe. This pony means the world to me (as do all of the other horses whom have touched my life) and I have no idea where I would be in my life if it weren't for him. Each ride he is a different pony, and really tests my abilities and perseverance as a rider. I'm really writing this blog to give an insight in to our life together, and to show our improvements (or steps backward) on our journey together.

the little guy and i :)

My time with Joe began when I wasnt really sure what I wanted to do with my riding. I was stuck in a rough spot and going through a downward spiral. After two or so years, I moved to barns to Doubletake Equestrian and began training with Jenny and Abby Price. They matched me with the perfect horse, and almost two years later, I am still working with that same perfect horse and those same perfect trainers. Joe helped build my confidence back up and it felt like next thing I knew, we were in the show ring!! He was a completely different pony at shows. He was NAUGHTY!! But we ended up getting around, and even getting a 2nd place in one of our classes. I don't think I have ever walked out of a ring, smiling as much as I ever have that day. Time passed and we just kept improving. But I was battling a shoulder problem at the time, along side my best friend dealing with one worse than my own. She gave me the confidence to keep riding through the pain and to not give up, even though I was so frustrated with my own body. Several doctor visits and months of physical therapy later, I had an answer and was signed up for a surgery in what felt like the blink of an eye. My surgeon told me it would be nine months before I could ride again. NINE MONTHS!! I just about had a heart attack. After the operation, the first thing I wanted to do was go see that little fluff monster of a pony. I needed to be out at the barn with my friends, and interacting with the animals who had shaped my life so much. I was finally able to go out to the barn and to see "my" pony. I swear I walked in to that stall and he hugged me. I dont know how he did it, but he did. And I have never felt so connected to him in my life. A bond with a horse is truly a special thing and I realized that day how truly powerful it can be.

Months passed and I was finally able to ride again. Oh what a great day that was! My friends were all there supporting me and it was one of the best times I ever had. Even more time passed, and seemed as though the break I had to take from riding was one of the best things that had ever happened for it! My equitation was drastically improved (of course, that was a combination of my trainers help too!) and I was schooling 3ft courses consistently with Joseph; something I never thought we would do! It was finally time for the local hunter jumper association's annual show and medal finals! I felt so ready! We ended up winning a few classes and placing 4th in our medal final. I was incredibly proud of him, and myself. He made all the difference in the riding! On the second day of that show, however, schooling in the morning (thanks to my own STUPID self!) we had a crash. We both fell (Joe was totally fine, but enjoyed a couple days off (: ) but I suffered a contusion on the 1st metatarsal of my right foot and was once again out of the saddle for about a month. But this crash did much more than keep me out of the saddle for a little bit. It made me lose a bunch of confidence. However more time passed and after improving our flat work through some dressage training and encouragement and help given to me by a dear young friend who I consider a sister I am slowly getting my confidence back (and so is Joe!). Though I am still struggling with a bum shoulder and lacking confidence to say "I AM a good rider, and I DO know what I am doing," I have not once again considered quitting riding. But without my friends, and family, I would never be where I am today.

I think that brings everyone up to speed on our story together! I'll update this blog on a (hopefully) weekly basis, telling stories of the little pony who could. He has changed my life, and I hope that our little story of triumphs and downfalls can keep you entertained for at least a little bit :)

Photo Copyright to Elegant Strides Photography

-A&J