Carley: I am finding that college is a great place for self-discovery. I am continually growing and changing my mind on where I’m headed, but one thing has been consistent: my horses. I enjoy being able to spend what time I can at the barn with them and getting a study break here and there. It’s important to keep things that you love close in order to keep going in a rigorous program. I think if it’s financially and reasonably possible for those of you who are nearing the big milestone starting college, I recommend bringing your horse with you to college only if you can handle a full plate. It may seem too stressful to bring horses into the mix, but it might be a nice study break, even if it’s towards the end of your college career when you need it most. I also recommend if it isn’t going to be possible to move your horse or if you only lease, lesson, etc. that you look into if your university has an equestrian team. Though I don’t ride for my team, I absolutely love being a part of it for the social aspects as well as participating on the executive board.

Amy: [Amy is taking a gap year before starting college and is a working student at a farm in Calgary] Although it's hard work, it's amazing to have the opportunity to dedicate almost all my time to horses.  I've already learned so much about riding, and even more about thoroughbreds in general.  Riding at a farm that primarily consists of warmbloods is very different from what I’m used to.  After working over the summer prepping thoroughbred yearlings for The Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society’s sale in British Columbia, and having ridden mainly thoroughbreds throughout my life, I have little experience riding warmbloods or other breeds.
 
If you have the opportunity to work and ride at a barn somewhere, and be surrounded by solely horses and horse people, I would definitely recommend you do it. The one thing I would suggest to anyone experiencing a change whether you're juggling a university schedule with riding, moving to a different barn, or starting on a different horse, is to always surround yourself with a good support system.  Having people around you for encouragement and inspiration is key to success in anything, especially in regards to riding. Having a trainer you trust, or a friend you can talk things through with are all crucial elements to not only getting better at the sport but staying healthy and grounded in general. I’m so happy to be able to spend my gap year like this, and can't wait to find out what the rest of the year looks like.

Payton: Unfortunately, due to financial reasons, and the fact that Allie [her Thoroughbred] is living a peaceful retired life in a big field with her friends, I was not able to bring her to my university with me. This has been hard, since she was my main form of comfort in my most difficult times. However, I have found other ways to destress, and I visit Allie when I can. I encourage people to go to college, and I encourage equestrians to go as well. A riding career is a hard thing to create, and to have a backup plan is always a good idea. If you can, bring your horse with you to college to help you through this transitional period in your life. If you can’t bring your horse, like me, don’t be discouraged. Look into riding programs at your school, usually you can take a lesson on your own time, on a horse that the school or private riding program owns. No matter what, ensure that your horse is being well taken care of wherever they are; they deserve it!