Reader’s Question:
I’ve been a member of a large riding club for a long time, but in recent years, it’s become difficult to make reservations. I had to switch to a more accessible location, but I’m not really happy there, and it’s making me reluctant to go. The new place is
also farther away. However, my daughter seems to enjoy it, so I feel hesitant to bring up the idea of changing clubs again. I would like to visit other clubs, but I worry that because I’ve been with this big club for so long, I might be looked down upon. If anyone has gone through a similar situation and successfully changed clubs, could you share how you approached it? I would really appreciate your advice. Thank you!

Navigating the Riding Club Dilemma: A Personal Journey

Hey there, fellow equestrians and parents! So, I recently stumbled upon a reader’s question that struck a chord with me. It’s about the struggle of finding that perfect riding club while balancing your child’s happiness and your own. Trust me, I’ve been there, and I can totally relate.

The Long Search for the Right Club

Let me take you back a few years. I was a member of a large riding club, the kind where you’d often feel lost in the crowd. While it had its perks—like a wide variety of horses and instructors—it became increasingly difficult to reserve a spot for lessons. I mean, how frustrating is it to miss out on that adrenaline rush of galloping through a field just because someone else snagged the last slot? Eventually, I found myself at a smaller, more accessible club. At first, I was excited. It was closer to home, and I thought, “Hey, this could be a fresh start!” But, oh boy, was I wrong. The vibe was just… off. The horses didn’t have the same energy, the instructors didn’t click with my style, and it felt more like a chore than a passion. But here’s the kicker: my daughter absolutely loved it! She found joy in the routine, and it warmed my heart to see her so happy. But at the same time, I couldn’t shake this feeling of dissatisfaction. It’s like having a pair of shoes that fit your kid perfectly, but just don’t suit you anymore. You want to keep them happy, but you also want to feel good yourself!

Facing the Fear of Judgment

One of the biggest worries I had about switching clubs again was the judgment. I imagined the whispers behind my back: “Oh, she’s just hopping from one place to another.” It can be tough to shake off that feeling, especially when you’ve been with a club for so long. But here’s a little secret: most people are too busy worrying about their own riding journeys to judge yours. I decided to chat with other parents in the riding community, and you know what? Many of them had faced a similar crossroads. Some had moved from large clubs to smaller, more personalized ones simply to find a better fit. A sense of relief washed over me—maybe I wasn’t alone in this dilemma after all.

Finding a Middle Ground

So, what did I do next? I had a heart-to-heart with my daughter. I wanted to know what she truly valued about riding. Was it the thrill of jumping, the camaraderie with other riders, or simply the joy of being around horses? After a good chat, it turned out she loved the social aspect and the joy of riding for fun, not necessarily for competition. With that knowledge, I brought up the idea of visiting other clubs. Initially, she was hesitant, worried that it might disrupt her newfound routine. But I proposed a little adventure—let’s try out some ‘visitor rides’ at nearby clubs during the summer break. Who knew? Maybe we’d discover something amazing together.

The Great Club Hopping Adventure

Let me tell you, visiting different clubs was like a mini road trip for us! Each club had its own vibe, its own set of horses that seemed to tell a different story. Some were ultra-modern, while others had that rustic charm that made you feel like you stepped back in time. We met instructors with various teaching styles, each one offering us a unique perspective on riding. While we were at one club, I was surprised by how welcoming everyone was—even with my somewhat rusty skills. They didn’t care about my previous club affiliations; they just wanted to see if I was passionate about riding. It was refreshing, to say the least. And guess what? My daughter, who was initially hesitant, began to light up at each new experience. By the end of our little club-hopping adventure, she felt empowered to choose a club that suited her interests and goals.

Conclusions and Lessons Learned

Ultimately, we settled on a club that felt like home. It was a perfect balance of fun and learning, and we both left feeling excited about what lay ahead. I learned that it’s totally okay to prioritize your happiness alongside your child’s. It’s about finding that sweet spot where both of you can thrive. So to the reader grappling with a similar decision, my advice is simple: communicate openly with your child, explore your options together, and don’t fear the judgment of others. Riding should be about joy, connection, and personal growth—both for you and your little rider. And hey, if you ever feel anxious about switching clubs, just remember: it’s all part of the journey. The right place is out there waiting for you. Happy riding, and may your adventures be filled with laughter, connection, and of course, lots of horse hugs!