by RSE Guest Blogger: Samantha King
12 years ago my life changed. I mean it really changed. We all know that change is scary, but often that change is for the better and causes you to reevaluate what is important to you. I was scared, not knowing what the future would hold, but I did know that I am a strong, independent, motivated woman who had enough passion to do more than just survive.
"Not a care in the world or a worry about the future."
So I guess I should fill you on what happened. This is not a unique story, many women have experienced this and many more will. In January 2006 I was coming off a very bad break up with a man I thought I was in love with. After a few months of recovery I dated someone who I considered a rebound boyfriend and didn’t see any future with him. We were having fun, keeping things light and enjoying an adult lifestyle. I was also in my 25th year of teaching riding. At this time in my career I was teaching full time at the iconic Sunnybrook Stables (yes, the one that recently burned down in Toronto) and loving the work, students and horses there. Not a care in the world or a worry about the future.
"I needed a career change."
By the end of December 2006 I was single, approaching 40, with a very new born child, my dog and wondering what was next for me. Now I needed to be concerned about the future for me and my child. Teaching riding is typically the busiest on evenings and weekends. As a single parent with only one family member in Toronto I knew that wouldn’t work for my new life situation. I needed a career change. I needed a 9am to 5pm regular job with benefits.
"The one thing that remained constant in my life was horses."
12 years later I achieved all of that. I had a lot of support and encouragement from friends and family along the way and for that I am very grateful. The one thing that remained constant in my life was horses. Even though I wasn’t full time in the industry I still managed to get to my friends farm and get my kidlet addicted to horses at an early age.
Here she is at 2 months old on one of my old school masters, Boomer, that my friend and former client adopted from me.
Almost 12 years later this is what she looks like now.
Here she is patting Tinker (Quick Step N Time) at the end of an over fences round competing in the Short Stirrup Division at Joker’s Hill Trillium Central East. (I love how she is airborne here, not a hoof on the ground!!)
It has been an incredible journey to get to this point. Horses have been so important for my daughter and I in terms of our mental, emotional and physical health. Without them in our lives I am sure we both would have not managed the challenges of our journey so well.
I will tell you more about that in my next blog!
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Who is Samantha King?
I'm a Customer Relationship Manager at Food for Tots, Sometimes Riding Instructor at various stables in the GTA (whoever will have me) and a Single Mum of a Riding Daughter. Pack members include Rudy and Tucker.
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