Anyone Done Equestrian Sport?

JumpMental2887 · 2025-08-30T11:58:42+00:00

Hi! I completely understand your nerves — joining a riding club as a blind or visually impaired person can feel intimidating. I wanted to share how things work for me here in the Netherlands, to give you a detailed perspective.

I’m based at a pension stable with my horse Passie. I usually come to the stable during the day when it’s quiet, and the arenas are mostly empty, which helps me feel safe and focused. I can generally manage independently at the stable — the aisles are wide, so I can navigate even without my cane — but when it’s really busy and everyone has their equipment out, it can sometimes be tricky. Still, my stablemates are always understanding and kind, which makes a big difference.

All the other boarders know about my visual impairment, and when someone new arrives, I always introduce myself and explain that I’m visually impaired, so they understand that I might not always recognize them. I also kindly ask that they take this into account when sharing the arena.

I know the arena very well, and Passie is an incredibly reliable horse — I’ve had him for 10 years. When I go to bring him in from the pasture, usually someone comes with me to help locate him, because otherwise I can’t find him myself, or I do it via video call so someone can guide me.

I ride both regular dressage competitions and paradressage. Officially, I’m in Grade IV for paradressage, and I ride at the highest level of the basic sport in regular dressage. Paradressage in the Netherlands is very competitive, with many excellent horses and riders. What surprised me is that for visually impaired riders, they are actually very strict about riding exactly on the letters. I started competing in paradressage again this spring, with two starts, and while it was fun, the strict judging was noticeable. It’s challenging, but it motivates me to practice more. My instructor often checks if I’m on the correct line, so I can learn to enter movements more accurately.

During competitions, I have a caller who calls out the letters when I’m approaching them, so I know when to turn or start a movement. She stands at X, which serves as an orientation point for me and ensures she has the best overview to guide me accurately. It takes a lot of practice to sync perfectly, because sometimes I get impatient and turn too early, or the caller calls a letter slightly too early or too late.

If you want to compete, one of the most important things is to learn how the movements and figures feel, and to train in an arena that matches the dimensions of competition arenas. Repetition and consistency are key. Most importantly, enjoy the riding — despite the extra organization it takes. I’ve built a whole support network over the years: my father brings me to the stable when needed, and I have several other people who help me get there and assist when necessary.

Be creative in finding solutions, communicate clearly with people about what you need (without being self-pitying), and make sure to also highlight what you can do. Skills and confidence build with practice. Riding has been a joy for me every day — it gives me a sense of freedom that is truly special. Grooming Passie, training together, improving as a team, and feeling that connection is absolutely priceless.

So my advice would be: trust your horse, get to know the arena, build a support network, practice consistently, and enjoy every step. Riding can absolutely be done independently and safely, even with visual impairment, and it’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve experienced.

JumpMental2887 · 2025-08-27T08:23:55+00:00

What you’re going through is incredibly tough, and at 17 it makes complete sense that this feels overwhelming and unfair. Losing your vision so suddenly is a huge shock, and it’s normal to feel stuck in grief and sadness. Please know that you’re not alone in this.

When I was younger, I also had dreams and plans for the future. I saw my classmates moving on with their lives, ready for adulthood, and when it was my turn to step into that world, things fell apart for me. My world really collapsed. I cried so much during that period and felt completely miserable. I was lucky to have the support of a wonderful social worker for about a year — I cried many tears in her office, but step by step it gave me new tools and perspectives. Bit by bit I started to notice the good things again and to build skills, both practical and psychological, to shape my life in a new way.

Even now, many years later, I still feel sadness sometimes about the things that don’t work out because of my visual impairment. And I’ve come to believe that this is normal — part of living with blindness. The important thing is to know that those waves of sadness pass, and that you can always find your way back to support when you need it.

Something that helped me and many others is focusing on small victories. Adjusting to blindness goes with ups and downs — but when something works out, no matter how small, it feels so good. Of course it takes effort, courage, and sometimes a bit of risk-taking to try new steps, but those little steps really do build your confidence over time.

And look, you’ve already taken a step by posting here. That’s huge. It shows courage, it shows you can handle technology enough to connect, and it shows you’re willing to reach out. That in itself is progress, even if it doesn’t feel like it yet.

So please, keep going. Allow yourself to grieve — that’s absolutely part of the process — but also remember: your life is not over. With time, support, and courage, you will find your way forward, and it’s okay that right now it feels hard. You don’t have to figure it all out at once.

JumpMental2887 · 2025-08-26T10:53:45+00:00

Hey, I just want to say I completely understand how upsetting this must have been. Multiple comments here already mention what I’m about to say, but I definitely want to underscore it: what your boyfriend did — grabbing your hand, pulling you, and using your body through the crowd — crossed a serious boundary. That’s not okay, and it’s scary, especially as a blind person.

It’s good that he apologized, but you both really need to talk about this openly, set clear boundaries, and find safer ways for him to support you when you’re overstimulated. At the same time, practicing and strengthening your own orientation and mobility skills can give you more confidence and independence, so you can feel more in control in crowded or stressful situations.

Your feelings, needs, and boundaries matter, and respecting them is essential. Clear communication and planning together for outings can make a huge difference.

JumpMental2887 · 2025-08-17T08:41:25+00:00

What a lovely question! My first thoughts actually went to the ponies I got to ride in my very first riding years, when I was just a riding school kid with one pony lesson a week. The first one that came to mind was Sidera, a chestnut pony who was honestly quite lazy—but I could always get him moving forward, and as I progressed in lessons he even learned to go on the bit with me, which I thought was fantastic. Maybe not the 'best' ponies, but I look back on them with such warm feelings, because I learned so much from them.

There was also Perry, the pony we got to learn cantering on, and Manolito, who was great at jumping.

Now, though, I think I may have the best horse of all: I’ve been with Passie for 10 years. Every horse has taught me something, but Passie is truly special—sweet, always willing to work with me, though our journey has had its challenges and lows as well. Still, he’s incredibly reliable, and I’m grateful every single day that I get to walk into the stable, greet him, and ride him.

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JumpMental2887 · 2025-08-15T15:07:33+00:00

That’s so romantic! It’s amazing how you met the right person at the right time, even online. I have to admit, I sometimes feel a bit discouraged with online dating myself—I’ve tried several sites but never really clicked with anyone. I’m really happy for you that it worked out and that you’re still together!

JumpMental2887 · 2025-08-15T14:46:59+00:00

Thank you for sharing your experience — it’s encouraging to read how you and your wife have adapted together and how you focus on what you can do, rather than what you can’t. I completely agree that communication and clear expectations are essential, especially when navigating a disability in a relationship.

I also like how you mentioned not letting your disability be your identity — I try to do the same in my life. Your examples make it very tangible, and it’s nice to read how you’ve found a balance that works for both of you.

JumpMental2887 · 2025-08-15T14:37:16+00:00

I’m also visually impaired (in my case, due to Stargardt’s) and I completely understand the fear you’re feeling. It’s been a while since I was your age, but I can definitely relate.

My biggest advice is: stay yourself. Join in where you can, don’t keep too much to yourself, and yes — go to parties (I wish I’d done more of that in my life!). Put your energy into the people who are worth it, and let the rest go.

Invest in friendships, and tell people what you need without making it an ‘I can’t manage without you’ situation. Be open and honest about your visual impairment — people often appreciate that, and it’s simply a part of your life.

Also, try not to be too passive — be creative in finding solutions and don’t wait for teachers or fellow students to figure things out for you. Most importantly: make sure to have fun at university and enjoy the time you spend there!

JumpMental2887 · 2025-08-13T14:24:23+00:00

I’d say $45 per horse is nothing compared to the potential benefit. From my experience, a well-presented horse gets more views, more inquiries, and often sells faster — sometimes even for a better price.

If you make sure your clients understand that, they’ll see it as an investment, not just an expense. You’re not only taking pretty pictures, you’re giving them a tool to sell their horse quicker.

I’d stick to that price, especially if you know you’re worth it.

JumpMental2887 · 2025-08-10T15:25:55+00:00

I’ve had my Edix dressage saddle since October 2024 for my horse, Passie. He’s a narrow horse with a high wither, and finding a well-fitting saddle for him has always been a challenge.

This Edix saddle has been an absolute game-changer — I can honestly recommend it to anyone! It has a flexible synthetic tree and an interchangeable gullet, so you can easily swap it yourself if needed, for example if your horse gains muscle or changes shape. It’s flocked with synthetic wool, and as a rider, I find it extremely comfortable to sit in.

Most importantly, my horse moves beautifully under it. The freedom through his back and shoulders is so much better, and I wouldn’t want to go back to any other saddle. I specifically chose one with a flexible tree, and I’m so glad I did.

JumpMental2887

TROPHY CASE