Sometimes in life things happen that break your heart; but the older I get, the more I have come to learn to trust that God will make lemonade from your lemons.

I love surrounding myself with people who are experts; especially in my life as a horse breeder, trainer and rider. Maybe it’s because I got back into riding as an older adult, but my thirst to learn more about how and why never seems to diminish. I have been very blessed to live in a community and have a friend base that fuels and feeds that drive for knowledge. But, have you ever been in a situation where you didn’t realize you were limiting yourself unconsciously?

I was very blessed to have the opportunity to have Monster ridden by a young woman who had competed for Canada as a junior dressage rider and had ridden at the Grand Prix level. Of course I jumped at that opportunity. Her experience and skill as a rider, saw him win the Adequan All Breed award for Level Two Dressage in 2023. But her success ultimately ended up with me saying things to myself like: “I’ll never be that good.” “I’m just holding him back.” I’ll just break them and she can ride them.” “Maybe I should sell him while he’s worth something.” I limited myself and my growth as a rider because I was working with an expert. But God had other plans for Monster and I.

This July circumstances conspired such that I ended up taking over the ride on Monster. As sad as it was to see that part of our journey come to an end, it was without a doubt the greatest thing that happened to me, and my relationship with Monster. Don’t get me wrong, it was definitely a setback for him. Instead of showing Level Three as had been the plan, the best I could do was a Level Two. While I had never actually ridden a level two test, let alone in competition, I signed myself up for a gold show, Second Level dressage test in August. Then the opportunity to attend a clinic with the incredible Grand Prix coach, internationally renowed Paula Kierkegaard presented itself.

Our dressage tests in August were abysmal, with our highest score being at 56%, but we did it and I learned so much from the judges comments and videos taken by friends. I stayed the course, attended another clinic with Paula in October and watched myself on video monthly. I understand and can feel so much more what correct riding is thanks to my persistence. Monster has never looked or felt better and he and I are learning together; things like Piaffe and Flying Lead Changes. And, not only are we learning – we are both having so much fun doing it. When I go into the paddock, Monster always comes up to me asking to come in to work. He’s been known to bang on the fence or the gate to make sure I know he’s ready to come in and work and our relationship and bond is so much deeper.

God didn’t allow me to limit myself. He took matters out of my hands and put them in his and I couldn’t be more grateful for it. Today Monster and I had two beautiful, smooth lead changes. My heart is so full. Where are the places in your life where you can see God’s hand? Maybe the things you think you’ve lost are actually the beginning of a journey to a better you. Sometimes you just have to trust the process – you can’t make lemonade without squashing a few lemons.

God bless.

Meredith