Another year is in the books! This week is Optimum Equine’s #birthweek and I’m celebrating it the best way I know how… driving from farm to farm, massaging horses, enjoying the summer weather, prepping for horse show craziness, and dreaming of what will come next.
Reflecting over the last 12 months, I am struck with gratitude over the ways that this has grown. I am humbled that my bodywork practice has become a regular part of so many sporthorses’ maintenance routines, and I’m proud and elated when owners share stories of their horses’ continued health, happiness, and show ring success. I have been fortunate to meet so many amazing animals thanks to taking this path and it fulfills a lifelong dream of mine, to work with horses someway somehow. There are cold days and blistering hot days, there are long days and days so hectic that my calendar looks like rainbow vomit–there are simply too many pieces in the puzzle of each day. But every day is completely 100% worth it. If you would have told me ten years ago that my dream job would have hours like this, that finishing up at 10 pm on Friday night is pretty normal, I wouldn’t have believed you. But each late night and early morning when I’m doing what I love, the hours melt away.
So many of the good things don’t come as a surprise at all. I love when a horse gives a big eye-rolling yawn releasing tension, or gently turns and tries to groom me in return. I love the beautiful country drives and the peace and serenity of working in a barn. I love using the strength of my hands and my knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics, and dressage training to help these horses feel their best. But there is one big thing that I didn’t count on at all. It’s all of you. I never thought about how fulfilling it was going to be to connect with like-minded horse people, how inspiring to hear all of your stories, how cathartic to commiserate together about the struggles. In everyday life, I am surrounded by “normal” people, and it can feel so isolating to be among people who you can’t share the most important part of yourself with. But with my fellow crazy horse people, I can truly be me.
Being able to share this part of my life with so many people is something that I am endlessly grateful for. This past year has been a difficult one for me personally, with the retirement of my longtime partner, but day after day I was so uplifted by the concern and empathy that all of you showed during my toughest days. I marvel at the number of people this practice has allowed me to meet and how important those connections have become to me. Friendships blossomed and were rekindled out of simple exchanges about scheduling. I have learned so much from my fellow horsewomen, whether it was new knowledge about an unfamiliar discipline, horse care advice, or tips on the best horse show venues, vets, or breeches–I have appreciated every bit of it.
I started Optimum Equine because I believed I was meant to work with horses, but the last year especially has taught me that I am also meant to work with horse people. This blog is a simple thank you to every person behind the camera in these photos–a thank you to each of you who have trusted me with your horse over the years. It is a pleasure to call you my friends and clients–I look forward to many more years ahead!