11/02/2023
Someone recently asked me why I do not do this full time and I had an answer but felt I needed to explain it publicly also. (Sit down and put your feet up before reading) So back on Long Island, people knew me, I grew up competing on the local dressage circuit and built up a solid name for myself. As years went by, my weight crept up, I sustained numerous injuries, and life events happened. I found on L.I. the horse industry was a tough one. I chose to stay small after a bad accident and a VERY large hospital bill, I needed a day job with medical benefits . Hence when you work full time it does not leave much time for yourself and clients. So I took myself out of the equation. Through the years, weight still crept on (unbeknownst my I was having thyroid issues) I still rode and ride well and light for my weight. I knew how to hold myself so the horses did feel dead weight. Then after having my son, I really did not have much time. I still stayed small so the few people I did have I could give them my all. Fast forward, I see many people I have known through the years having tremendous success on much bigger scales. That also comes with a price, you often times sacrifice yourself, your immediate family, and extended family often times missing out on birthdays, holidays, and special events. Fast forward again, we now live in Florida , and I still work 2 jobs. I do have a bit more time to myself, as I have arranged my schedule to have time with my husband and son but I realize that I also need to not neglect myself. I COULD present myself on a much bigger scale but I actually prefer the intimacy of having less clients. I have never wanted people to feel like they get lost in the shuffle or that I do not have time for them. I try to get to know about their family lives, health, and other hobbies. I do not make a lot of money, if I did then I would own lesson horses of my own and have a super star show horse, but I do not. I teach because I choose to teach. I have the ability to explain things in a simple way to enable any rider to figure out the process. I do not have an exact system in place as most days you have to throw out your game plan because the horse has other ideas for the day. I teach because love it. I teach because I can still recall all of my a-ha moments in my own riding as well as in life that riding has given me. I teach to pass on the knowledge that has been bestowed upon me. I tell people outright that I am not the best rider out there, I am good but far beyond being great. I am a very good riding instructor though. Ride and teaching are VERY DIFFERENT. I teach children and adults of all ages and all abilities and some with special needs. I will teach anyone who is driven and willing to work at it. Those that do not take it seriously, (believe me I have no problem cutting people loose from my clientele list) I send them on my way because I will not sell a gimmick or fad when it comes to teaching. If you want to learn how to ride I will teach you, but if you start asking me what brand of apparel or tack I use, well, the conversation ends there. I give you the skills, nor do I sugar coat anything. Work hard, perfect your craft and clothing or saddles will not matter because you can and will have the an ability to make the hardest and most untalented or non athletic horse look like a million bucks. Most people want accolades and wins and prestige, and that is ok, but that is not the core of me. I teach safe recreational riding with a core emphasis on dressage, it is a universal language. Because I am so grounded, unyielding and hold steadfast to my core principles of riding/teaching, it forces me to stay small. Horses are expensive, yes, but it does not have to be off limits. I would rather work with broken horses, school horses, auction horses and teach my riders to appreciate these horses. I will help anyone and everyone. If they chose to do the A circuit, I have no problems stepping aside and letting my clients broaden their horizons with those professionals. So going back I am as big as I want to be because I prefer to really become close with my clients and give them as much of me as they give me of themselves. I also am no longer willing to save the myself and treat myself as an afterthought . Now is my time to shine again and it’s my riding as well…Maybe if I did not have to work my day job, things might have been different. At the end of the day it always been about the love of horses. I do not believe If I had a large barn and a bunch of clients that I would be as happy as I am now, as I am teaching. I am happy doing what I do! I am very happy doing it on a small scale. Cyn Do Roo
