My Virtual Barn Family

Body clipping is definitely more fun with friends

Barn family.

I think most riders, if they are fortunate, have experienced the oh-so-wonderful “barn family”.

These are folks that completely understand the wrenching dilemma of choosing which blanket/blanket system to go with for your new horse. They think nothing of walking into a relatively nice restaurant (*cough* PF Changs *cough*) at every horse show in dirty boots, worn-all-day breeches, treat/grain streaked shirts, and sweaty helmet hair.

They will stay up all night with you and walk in endless circles during a colic scare.

While I ride because there is nothing that replaces the relationship with a horse that is your partner, I’ve found many of my most vital friends at the barn. They may not have been my best friends- but because horses and my riding is such a necessary coping skill for me- my barn friends are often a tremendous source of positivity.

As I’ve moved around for the last eight years with my Army husband, I’ve dealt with plenty of backyard barns and straight up unsafe horse keeping. I’ve also met incredible pros and riding friends that I stay in touch with and cheer on from a distance.

This week, my barn in Missouri (our last duty station) is showing at the Royal. The owner/trainer, Karissa Cassidy of Katalyst Sporthorses, is preparing her fabulous GP prospect for his first Welcome Stakes in a week and half and some wonderful barn friends are also there showing.

As I was walking around Sam’s Club and waiting to pick up my four year old from school, I was getting text and FB updates and course pictures. Analyzing performance and the plan for tomorrow and the rest of the week- those quintessential horse show conversations.

I may be 13 hours away but I’m celebrating a brave, adjustable, smooth round and sympathizing with a case of show nerves. I’m following results in almost-real time and seeing video the same day. In fact, I’m cheering on my friends across the country at Harrisburg and schooling at home in VA. I’m admiring a new horse in California.

Although we are spread out…thanks to the wonders of today’s technology and a little attention to communications- we are still a (virtual) barn family.