The horse you dreamed of years ago might not be the horse you need today — and that's perfectly okay.

In this episode of At The Fence, Michelle and Adrienne have an honest conversation about choosing the right horse for who you are now, not who you used to be.

As we get older, our goals, confidence, physical abilities, and even what brings us joy can change. Whether you're returning to horses after years away, buying your first horse, or simply rethinking what you want from your time in the saddle, finding the right match is about so much more than breed, size, or looks.

From the influence of our competitive pasts to the simple pleasure of a quiet trail ride, we explore what really matters when choosing a horse. We talk about temperament, energy, safety, the importance of good horsemanship, and the practical things to consider before making that emotional purchase.

And perhaps most importantly, we remind ourselves that you don't have to compete, jump, or even ride to have a wonderful and fulfilling relationship with a horse.

Sometimes the greatest joy is found in the smallest moments.

So pull up a chair and join us at the fence for a conversation about finding the horse that fits your life, your confidence, and your heart.

Because the right horse isn't always the prettiest one — it's the one that's right for you.

At The Fence — honest conversations about horses, horsemanship, and the women who love them.

🐴 AT THE FENCE | With Michelle & Adrienne

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Because sometimes the best conversations happen at the fence.

Fear shows up differently for every horsewoman.

Sometimes it’s the fear of getting hurt. Sometimes it’s wondering if you’re good enough, worrying about what other people are thinking, choosing the wrong horse, making a mistake—or questioning whether you’ve simply waited too long to come back to horses.

In this episode of At The Fence, Michelle and Adrienne have an open conversation about fear and the many ways it can appear when we return to horses later in life.

Adrienne shares her own experience of coming back to horses after years away—from worrying about doing things wrong and being judged, to learning to trust herself and her horse. Michelle shares a different perspective from a lifetime with horses and explains why a little fear isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Because fear can also be information.

It can remind us to prepare, pay attention, ask questions, choose the right horse, listen to our instincts, and sometimes simply get off and try again another day.

They also talk about ego, clinics, buying horses, riding bareback, the pressure of being watched, and why leaving your ego on the other side of the gate might be one of the best things you can do for yourself and your horse.

The goal isn’t to become fearless.

It’s learning when fear is protecting you—and when it’s keeping you from something you still deeply want.

If horses are calling you back, but fear is standing at the gate, this conversation is for you.

🎙️ At The Fence — real conversations about horses, confidence, care, courage, and the next chapter of life.

What happens when the thing you love most is suddenly taken away—and it takes 40 years to find your way back?

In this episode of At The Fence, Adrienne shares her deeply personal journey with horses. From growing up with horses just outside her back door and finding confidence, freedom, and belonging with her beloved Appaloosa, April, to the devastating day her father unexpectedly sold all six of the family’s horses, Adrienne talks about how that loss changed the course of her life.

For decades, the love of horses never disappeared. She watched from the other side of the fence, finding small ways to be near them while protecting herself from ever experiencing that kind of loss again.

Then came forgiveness, a chance encounter, and eventually a horse named Hank.

Adrienne shares what it was like to return to horses after 40 years, rebuild her confidence, find the right people, and finally become a horse owner again.

If you've ever stood at the fence wondering whether you're too old, too rusty, too afraid—or simply don't know where to begin—this episode is for you.

Sometimes the dream doesn't disappear. It simply waits for you to come back.

Follow Empower Equine on social media and join the conversation. We'd love to hear your story: Are you finding your way back to horses too?