Supporting My Daughter's Riding Journey: A Mother's Reflection

Supporting my daughter, Charlotte, in her riding endeavors has been a journey filled with immense sacrifice and profound joy. As a single mom, I’ve spent countless hours driving back and forth to the barn, braving all kinds of weather—be it scorching heat or biting cold. Financially supporting Charlotte’s passion has been a challenge but watching her navigate the highs and lows of this sport has made it all worthwhile.

Charlotte has faced her fair share of hardships, but through these challenges, she’s learned valuable lessons about people—the best and, unfortunately, sometimes the worst. We’ve been fortunate to become part of an incredible barn family, one that has embraced Charlotte and played a crucial role in her journey. This supportive community even helped her find her Prix St. George horse for the upcoming summer, a milestone that fills us with hope and excitement.

Over the past months, Charlotte has been tirelessly working on perfecting her craft in preparation of moving up to the FEI Junior level. Together, we’ve begun crafting a musical freestyle, a dream project that has brought us even closer. Choosing the music was a particularly emotional experience for me; I’ve listened to our chosen music well over a hundred times, and every time the canter music plays, I find myself in tears. I envision Charlotte riding down the centerline for her first-ever musical freestyle, feeling the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. It’s a moment I know will be etched in both our memories forever.

This journey hasn’t been without its setbacks. I’ve seen Charlotte elated when upper-level riders acknowledge her on social media, or she’s had a break through in her riding, and I’ve held her as she cried herself to sleep when unexpected changes derailed her plans for the summer 2024 show season. Despite these ups and downs, her resilience and determination continue to inspire me.

As we look ahead to the coming summer, I am filled with anticipation and excitement. I can’t wait to stand by her side, cheering her on through every challenge and triumph. My heart bursts with love and pride for all she has accomplished and all that lies ahead.

A special thank you goes out to Charlotte’s coach, whose unwavering support and guidance have kept her grounded and continually striving for excellence. This journey is just beginning, and I am confident that the best is yet to come. Stay tuned, because there are many more chapters to be written in Charlotte’s incredible dressage story.