Do you remember why you got into riding?

Hey Athletes!

Every year I book off the labour day long weekend for the Cala-boogie endurance ride - my favourite ride ever!

Of all the places that I have been, this one holds the most special place in my heart. Even before completing the 100 mile buckle ride, I found a way to get to this ride every year in some capacity. Sometimes I am a rider, sometimes a co-ride manager, sometimes riding my horse and sometimes on others.

It’s not the closest ride for us, in fact it is probably one of the furthest that we go to. Most people in this area don’t travel much more than 2 hours for an endurance ride. How spoiled are we that we can participate right in our own backyards? Whenever I travel I am reminded of this, knowing that riders in other areas of the world would consider the 6 hours I travel to Cala-Boogie to be a short trip.

So what makes the trip worth it?

I used to look at the rides as a purely mathematical equation. I wanted to ride more than I drove, and that was totally fair! I wanted to increase my mileage, be eligible for awards, and spend a lot of time in the saddle. I LOVED spending lots of time in the saddle… driving, not so much! Working on my stats was a tangible goal and it felt good to knock off the miles.

Now? I think I am more adventure focused than mileage focused. This past weekend I even dropped down to a lower distance.

Maybe I like riding a little less? Maybe not. I do know I am looking more for quality of riding than quantity of riding. Spending so many hours in the saddle is still fun, but sometimes heading back to camp for the party is fun too.

I think for me, this is why I love the Cala-boogie ride so much.

I definitely feel the quality and adventure in this ride. Whether you are riding 100 miles or 12, there are so many little things that add a sense of fun along the way. Lots of reasons so slow down and savour it. Then we have a wonderful party and enjoy good company.

It is not uncommon for me to have to do the math to avoid going overtime at this ride. It completely pulls me out of competitive or mileage mode and into adventure mode: stopping to swim in the lake, picking delicious berries and grapes in the forest, meeting golfers on the golf course (which yes, we get to gallop across!). If we have entered the longer distances, the quiet enjoyment of riding through the cottages and lakes and looking up at the moon and stars above, knowing its only me and my horse awake for miles.

I believe that everyone needs a ride like this in their life. A ride that helps them think less about the numbers and spend time in the moments.

THATS a ride worth travelling for.

I spend a lot of time with myself and my people working on redefining success. Take a moment to ask yourself now:

Do you remember why you got into riding?

Has that changed since you started?

When was the last time you checked in with yourself? Do your current riding goals still motivate and reward you?

Is it time to step back or step up?

Are you ready to be more competitve? Or do you need a break from these feelings?

Next time you go out to a ride, whether it be competitive or not, take these answers and feelings into your ride. Plan your ride out accordingly. Plan to be competitive, or plan to ditch your plans. Go somewhere new. Eat the berries. Go for a swim.

Motivation comes and goes in cycles, changing the focus every so often can refresh your body and mind, and your horse as well! Lean into what your gut is telling you, and get out and ride!

-Sarah