There are lots of sayings about green horses and green riders. My favorite, because of its sheer simplicity, is “green plus green equals black and blue.”

Without a doubt, I am a green rider. I grew up riding western, and, after a very long break, bought an english saddle and took up jumping about two years ago. Shortly thereafter, I purchased a green horse.

If I could go back in time, what would I tell myself? Based on my goals, laid out succinctly in my author bio below, I would say: Run. Do not pass go, do not collect $200.

Me: Do you think I can do it?

Trainer: I know you can do it.

Me: What if I miss the distance?

Trainer: If you miss it, you miss it. Just look up and keep your leg on.

Me: What if I accidentally squeeze him off the ground from 10 feet away and make him leap at it and then he retaliates on the other side?

Trainer: Um. Just try not to do that.

So far, 2016 has been the year of reestablishing my riding confidence after a rough 2015. In addition to hundreds of hours of lessons, much of my progress can be attributed to my leased schoolmaster horse, Andy, who got me over my fear of crossrails and back into the 2’6” hunter and equitation ring, and even introduced me to my new love, the jumper ring.