This Is Me: Barefoot. Bareback. Honest.
Some people see horsemanship as this picture perfect image—boots polished, felt hat, shiny saddle.
But for me, the truest picture of horsemanship is the one you see here—barefoot, bareback, sitting on my heart horse as he checks in with me mid-ride.
Unposed. Unpolished. Honest.
Childhood Roots
This isn’t just a moment that happened today. It’s a reflection of who I have always been.
I was the girl racing on the backs of horses against my friends barefoot and laughing, holding on with nothing but trust and pure joy.
I was the girl who found herself in the pasture climbing on one of her horses bareback to see what they’d do and what I could accomplish with them right there. I was curious, playful, and fully myself then. The world hadn’t gotten to that part of myself.
Truthfully? I still am that young girl ready to jump on any horse in the pasture to see what happens at 29 years old… ask my husband.
Staying True
As an adult, it can feel like there’s pressure to “look the part” or follow others’ leads because others appear polished with the right hat, the right boots, and the right image. Don’t get me wrong, that side is a part of me too, but at my core, horsemanship has never been about appearances.
It’s always been about building the partnership between me and the horse—showing up for my horses with my whole heart—whether I am using boots and a saddle or barefoot wearing shorts.
The problem with this picture is that it doesn’t follow societal norms—the polished image we so often see and are told to live up to. You see, we live in a culture where it’s easy to directly compare ourselves to others. But the truth is we are all unique.
We can’t compete with each other, because not one of us is the exact same. Yet, the temptation is always there: to fit in, to do what everyone else is doing—only better. Unfortunately, with that mindset, we will never reap the rewards of staying true to ourselves.
We follow others to keep from being ridiculed for being different. But scripture tells us:
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” - Romans 12:2
“Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.” - Galatians 6:4-5
Comparison keeps us trapped. Christ calls us free. And He has given each of us unique gifts to utilize—not to copy, not to compete, but to steward faithfully. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in various forms.” - 1 Peter 4:10
Look the Part
So here I stand—or rather, sit—barefoot on my horse, choosing not to chase after someone else’s version of success or beauty, but to rest in what God gave me.
For me, living honestly with my God-given gifts shows in the way I approach horsemanship every single day.
There have been times where I have felt the pressure to “look the part”—to dress a certain way at an event, or to use equipment I never thought was necessary so others would take me seriously. But every time I have chased that image, I have been left confused, exhausted, and unfulfilled.
What’s brought the most life and fruit is when I show up as myself.
Barefoot in my arena, teaching a lesson with faith and honesty.
Choosing to explain a concept to a student from the heart rather than give them the answer everyone else does in efforts to sound “professional” in a way that isn’t me.
Taking time to listen to my horse instead of worrying about what anyone watching might think.
This photo isn’t glamorous. But it is honest.
It’s me, choosing connection over image.
It’s me, choosing presence over polish.
It’s me choosing to love my horse—and myself—exactly as we are.
Because horsemanship, at its best, isn’t about looking the part. It’s about building the partnership and living the truth.
This Is Me
This is me: Barefoot. Bareback. Honest.
It’s the honest version of me—the one God created, the one He gifted uniquely, the one who doesn’t have to compete because He already gave her a place and a purpose. And no matter what, I will keep showing up for my horses—not to compete, not to compare, but to walk in freedom of being fully, authentically myself.
And when I choose to live in that place and fulfill my authentic purpose, my path lights up before me.
-L.R.
