Years ago, every Saturday, I would bundle my daughters into the car and head to the stables. While they mastered the art of horse riding – trotting, cantering, climbing on and off, tacking up – I stood in the cold, cheering them on. I often thought, “One day, I’ll do that too.” But being a single parent at the time, with limited funds, I always put them first. My dream remained just that, a “one day” kind of dream.

Fast forward many years later, during a conversation with my husband, I casually mentioned how I’d always wanted to learn to ride a horse. He listened intently, and to my surprise, for our wedding anniversary, he gifted me vouchers for horse riding lessons. My “one day” had finally arrived.

I eagerly signed up!  A few months later, I found myself crossing into Wales, ready for my long-awaited adventure. But as the day approached, nerves set in. I requested a calm, slow horse and was paired with Merlin—an old, compliant horse perfect for my first-time experience.

After brushing him down and mounting with assistance, my heart pounded. I asked if we could walk just a few steps before I dismounted, feeling a mix of excitement and fear. The guide likely thought, “We’ve got a nervous one here!” I also asked to ride at the back of the group, but no such luck—Merlin was a front-runner and wanted to be at the front, that apparently was his natural position when riding with other horses. So, I took a deep breath and embraced the challenge.

As we set off, climbing the steep hills of the Black Mountains, something shifted. Amidst my nerves, there was a deep sense of exhilaration. I found peace in the quiet, with my thoughts, Merlin, and the stunning landscape.

When we approached a river, Merlin dipped his head and drank deeply. Whoever said, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink” had clearly never met Merlin! Then, without warning, the leader gave an instruction, and the horses began to gallop. For me, it felt more like a full sprint! I gripped the saddle tightly, heart racing, and I managed to stay on!

As we trotted along steep inclines, overlooking valleys, I realised something amazing—I was actually doing this! And when the leader called for another gallop, my confidence had grown. This time, I embraced it with a smile. The nervousness gave way to excitement, and I felt a sense of triumph. What a fantastic way to spend a Friday afternoon!

About an hour in, I began to wonder when we’d turn around. That’s when it hit me—I hadn’t signed up for the one-hour ride. I had, in fact, booked the half-day tour! How I missed that detail, I’ll never know. Maybe I wasn’t paying attention during the upgrade process, or perhaps it was a happy accident.

As the time passed, the emotional rollercoaster continued—nervous, happy, thrilled, and at one point, on the verge of tears. Maybe it was the thrill of the adventure or perimenopause (who knows!), but the experience was deeply moving. At one point, we dismounted to walk our horses, and when it was time to remount without assistance, I didn’t think I could do it. But with some gentle encouragement from the guide, I found myself back in the saddle. Another triumph!

By the time we returned, three hours later, I felt like a completely different person. I had connected with Merlin, trusted in his intelligence, and felt the pure joy of riding. My horizons had been expanded, and my confidence had grown in ways I hadn’t imagined.

This experience wasn’t just about horse riding—it was about embracing something new, moving beyond fear, and growing through that challenge. In life, we often hold ourselves back, telling ourselves, “One day.” But why not today?

I now feel confident and excited to ride again. I learned that new experiences, while often intimidating, can lead to growth, mindfulness, and a deeper understanding of ourselves.

As a coach, I help others navigate their own journeys of self-discovery and growth. Whether it’s learning to ride a horse or taking on a completely different challenge, the principles remain the same: it’s about stepping outside your comfort zone, embracing new experiences, and realising your potential.

If my story resonates with you, and you’re ready to expand your horizons, I’d love to work with you. Let’s explore how coaching can help you achieve your “one day” dreams and turn them into “today” moments.

Book a coaching session with me and let’s ride this journey together! Quote 75OFF to have your session for £75.00, if taken before the end of 2024.