[QUOTE=Horserider15;6810050]
Hi, Emily. You sound EXACTLY like me. In fact, you ARE me. I am in the same exact situation as you. I’m 17 years old, a junior in high school. I have wanted to be around horses and ride since I was a year old, my parents say. I did everything I could to be around horses until I finally took proper lessons at age 10. I quickly showed my instructor that I wanted to learn anything and everything possible. I owned my first horse at age 14 and began showing when I was 13. Local hunter shows, hunter paces, etc. Now I ride 4-6 days a week, multiple horses a day, work at another barn doing barn chores and mucking stalls 2 days a week, and I am loving it. I am now the girl that everyone at my show barn comes up to with their horse and pays me to ride them. I showed my first green OTTB to a Reserve Champion, and have a few others that I ride consistently. Just like you, however, I have NEVER in my life been on a “nice” horse. You are at least fortunate enough to have been on some very nice dressage horses. All the horses I have ridden have been problem horses, young ones, or pleasure. My family, nor I, have any money to spend on anything more than a local hunter show on a decent, hand made Appaloosa (my first horse, Cooper). I have never been to an “A” rated show (not even to watch), never been under the watchful eye of an BNT, or anything of that sort (however, I love my current trainer and she has taught me some valuable lessons). I work very hard every day to ride the horses that I get. I have learned from reading about famous riders such as Denny Emerson and Peter Leone, that you should ride ANY horse you can get your hands on. And, most importantly, to learn ALL aspects of this business, from cleaning stalls to mowing grass, to grooming and care. So I take pride in what I do at the moment. I know that I am learning.
But, just like you, my ultimate dream, my goal, is to ride and compete at the highest levels…to work everyday on a farm where I can groom, train, teach, ANYTHING. And I plan to get there. I never like to leave on vacations with my family because I can’t stand to not train for that long. I have never gone to one school dance in my high school life (which my parents aren’t very thrilled about). I never go to sleepovers or to the mall, or hang out with friends. I am always with the horses so much that it drives my family crazy. I will be a senior in high school next year. I have to start getting my life together. And after some reflection (some daily reflection), I have decided that I am serious about my desire to go all the way in this industry. I am currently calling any BNT I can find, asking for a working student position because I believe, from lots of reading, that that is the best way to start. I have been to plenty of equestrian job websites. I am looking for a place where I can live in. I will move anywhere in the U.S to get my opportunity. I will MAKE my opportunity. And all the while, my parents, trainer and other top people have taught me that it is critical that I go to college and get some kind of a major. Know what else is similar about us? We both love English. 
I am in AP English right now in high school, and I plan to major in business and literature/english. And on top of all of that, I will have to find a way to make some money to support myself. I am advancing past the level of my first horse, Cooper, so I am selling him to make money for a car to transport myself. I will need gas money, food money, basic essentials- that’s all I need. But I plan to make it work.
So, after my long rant, just know that you are NOT ALONE. I understand you, girl. You and I are one of thousands that dream of this sport as a career. We are not that special. But we both have the drive, determination, and passion to push ourselves. I admire your confidence and passion. Like I said, you and me are extremely similar. One thing I have learned recently is that being humble and down-to-earth are SOOO important. I think young, aspiring riders like us tend to get so hard-headed, thinking we deserve everything right away. Not in ANY way am I saying that we act spoiled, or arrogant. There is a difference between arrogance and confidence. But, go in with too much confidence? It shines the wrong light on you. When you do get your opportunity to prove yourself, which I am pretty sure that you will, you need to show a calm confidence. You need to be humble, and realize that most big-timers have been in your shoes before, so they understand your situation. You are nothing unusual to them. Like I said, we are one of thousands. All you need to prove to anyone is that THIS is your passion, you have talent, and you will work hard on the skills that you need to improve. AND, most importantly, that you will never give up on it. Ever.
I am only 17, so I don’t know everything. In fact, I don’t know much at all. Compared to most aspiring riders, I’m a nobody. So you don’t have to listen to anything I just said. But I plan to do all I can to make my dream a reality. I wish you the best, Emily. :)[/QUOTE]
Oh! Dear, not again? You write that this is your first post on this forum?
I believe you when you write; “Hi Emily ,you sound exactly like me,in fact you ARE me”…
Perhaps I am old and cynical, however, after reading the few posts in your greenie persona, I worry that one or all of the following might be true.
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I am becoming a jaded old person, or,
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Emily is coming back in the guise of another, or , that…
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There are an alarming number of young ladies of exactly the same age posting the same angst, repeatedly, in much the same manner.
