Throughout my life, I have moved many times, tried many new hobbies, and made many friends. But through it all, horses were the ones I could always rely on. Every year for Christmas, I would ask for a pony, but a slight disappointment hit me when I didn't find one under the tree. But the best gift I ever received walked off the trailer when I was eighteen. Little did I know that this big red horse would teach me more about life than any person, school, or book.

If not for horses, I wouldn't be who I am today.

Being passionate is more challenging than it looks. Pursuing your passion will take you to the best days of your life, but it will push you into the hardest ones first. Whenever people see pictures of my horse or hear about all the fun trips I go on with him, they tell me "how nice it must be to have a horse" or how jealous they are of my lifestyle. But what you don't see on my Instagram are the days I've had to care for him and be kind even when I was angry with the world or the one crying in my horse's stall because the vet gave me horrible news. Nothing worth having is easy. I've been bucked off, kicked, bitten, and pushed to my physical and emotional limits. But you need to get up and prove how badly you want it every day. For battles are not won on days that are easy. They are won on the days you almost gave up.

As I become an adult in this industry, the biggest challenge is falling into the trap of constantly comparing myself to others. There will always be someone better than me, but I have to keep in mind that there are always people who wish they were in my shoes. I have recently pushed myself to begin a journey I've been too scared to start for years. I packed up and moved my horse and myself out to Laramie, Wyoming, to begin the ranch management program at the University of Wyoming. I am scared beyond belief to be surrounded by people who are better than me. Then I remember that it's never too late to start, no matter how uncomfortable or out of place you feel. Being nervous just shows you how badly you want it. Use it to fuel your fire.

During my weaker moments, I remember the little girl who dreamed of living my life. The one who would tell her mom the smell of horses made her feel alive. Whose dad told people that his daughter "has been riding longer than she could walk." I have always felt like I belonged when I was with horses. A wave of peace hits me, and the whole world fades away. He has shown me that love is shown through actions and not words. My big red horse has been my best friend, and he is why I follow my dreams. Without him, I would've never learned the lessons that got me here.

So untamed, youth, I leave you with one final message: Be passionate, bold, and unapologetic about who you are and what you came to accomplish.