Something I have passionately pursued... Hmmm. I can really only think of one thing in my life that reaches this "passion worth pursuing" level: Showing my horses. I've been riding since I was 6, and I really can't imagine my life without my horses. It's hard to explain to, well, basically everyone, but the kind of riding I do takes a lot more than just sitting in the saddle, showing off a sweet outfit. My English horses are anxious, quick-moving, big-trotting, attention-seeking, strong-mouthed boys that are in constant need of reassurance while I'm riding. You would never guess how much timing is needed to keep everything together and poised, but the trick is trying to make it look like the easiest ride of your life. And even when I can barely feel my hands and my entire back is cramping up just as I pull into the line-up as the class comes to an end, I never show the struggle anywhere but my words... after the class, of course. That's when I let it all out. I shake out my dead arms and legs, get out of my sweaty three piece show suit, and just take a seat for a while as the final bit of adrenaline wears off. At this point, everyone seems surprised at my bodily exhaustion. And that's just the response I yearn to hear. The biggest compliment I ever receive as a rider is the one where people say "Oh, wow Kara, he was that strong and heavy? You just made it look so easy!" Music to my equestrian ears.
The point is, showing, riding, creating a bond with my horses is my one true passion. And last summer, I was blessed with an amazing opportunity to write for the Arabian Horse Times, an international magazine in the Arabian horse industry. So, it seems as if my passion has turned into a future as well. I couldn't ask for anything more.
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