There is something very special about the people you meet through horses. I don’t find it a coincidence that all my best friends are those I met at the barn. Girl friendships specifically, are always hard especially as teens. I’ve been through my fair share of barn drama, teenage fights, jealousy and tribulations. At the end of the day, it all comes down to what brings you together. Maybe not at the same level, at the same time, or in the same place, but these core passions are what bonds my friends and I together. We all have a deep rooted love of horses. Some of us didn’t even ride at the same time, but it’s true that we all still have this love and will forever.

Amelia was my first best friend through horses. We didn’t ride at the same barn but knew each other through the community and social media, and when she was in 7th grade I was in 6th grade at the same school. We were fast friends and I could never even imagine what our friendship would turn into and also lead to. Amelia introduced me to Olivia, and then Alex Ann and Molly and Emma. We were truly all the best of friends. It was the group I had always dreamed of being a part of. When I met them I looked up to most of them as role models, so as the youngest in the group it felt like an honor to all become best friends. Years and years later, I’ve been through thick and thin with most of these girls. To this day, my happiest memories are with this group of girls.

It was also the first time I felt true friendship that was reciprocated. I always had lots of friends but none that I clicked with to a level like this.

I was a fairly insecure teenager, I knew I was capable and kind and hard working, but beyond that I didn’t always feel like I deserved people’s love or anything above and beyond. This is likely why I settled for mediocre friendships and didn’t seek deeper meaning relationships until it fell into my lap. My girls quickly became my confidants, partners in crime, and biggest cheerleaders.

There were always ups and downs but at the end of the day you always have your girls. I’m proud of my tribe and what’s brought us together. I also like to call this the magic of Sleepy Oaks Farm, the root of what brought us all into each others lives. If I didn’t move to sleepy oaks I have no idea who I’d be today.

Additionally, I have the privilege at 21 years old now to watch the younger generations meet each other through love of the sport and the animals. It creates even more meaning to watch the younger girls move through teenage difficulties and learn, grow, and build friendships with their teammates. It’s not always easy, but nobody else really gets it like your fellow horse girls.

Thank you to my friends, everyone who brought us together, and remember to keep your barn girls close. At the end of the day, you’ll always have them.