I am a firm believer that the innate passion one has for our sport dictates that their level of commitment and also attracts individuals that are very high achievers. From careers to complimentary sports, the modern equestrian tends to be extremely goal oriented. Additionally, they often are forced to make difficult decisions to become a competitive rider.
Brittany Tilden perfectly represents this profile. Just over a year ago, I observed a massive sacrifice when this recent newlywed relinquished her amateur card so that she had access to solid training and the opportunity to ride multiple horses. Simultaneously, she was studying for her board exams to become a certified prosthetist/orthotist, while also working full time in the field. To stay physically fit, Brittany not only ran, but she qualified for the Boston Marathon. It is important to note that last year she was a MAJOR driving force in strengthening our hunter/jumper industry and bringing the first USHJA rated horse show to Idaho.
Two of the many positive attributes that stand out when first meeting this young woman are her discipline and ethics. Cutting corners is not an option in her playbook. Even though Brittany is financially limited due to the student loans she accumulated while recently earning her masters in engineering, she followed the USHJA rule book and became a professional at the point when she accepted compensation. I think most of us have observed riders that take a similar role in a training barn, yet maintain their amateur card. Brittany is very serious about sustaining her passion for riding and she understands that this decision, coupled with the development of her professional career in the prosthetics field, will allow her to pursue the sport for life.
Brittany is a perfect example of not allowing excuses to prevent one from elevating, or even preventing, their level of riding. She is an authentic equestrian that represents the highest level of discipline within the our sport.
Salut!!
OBSTACLES ARE NOT AN OPTION
Name: Brittany Tilden
Primary Residence Location: Boise, Idaho
Occupation/Company/Title: Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist, Brownfield’s Prosthetics & Orthotics
Division: Assistant Trainer, Prairie Fox Farm
Describe why riding so important to you?
The stable is my place for reason and clarity in a hectic and often overwhelming day.
Riding has presented bigger than life dreams and daily challenges both physically and mentally. I am humbled often and overcome with pride when a goal has been achieved and the bar is yet again raised (typically beyond my comfort zone). My riding, horsemanship, and involvement in the business and equestrian community is always evolving and the peaks and valley’s have developed and strengthened my character, which has directly impacted my role as a career professional, trainer, friend and wife. My husband works out of state several months at a time so I am fortunate to be surrounded by a supportive and loving barn family that fills the void, my life would not be the same without them.
What advice would you like to provide to other riders that are balancing riding with work and/or family commitments?
Identify and evaluate the priorities in your life, then find balance among them. Time management, schedules and good communication will be essential to having harmony while balancing priorities.
What is your biggest struggle in your family-work-horse life balance?
I’m a goal oriented individual and thrive off of a new challenge, so turning down a lesson or show to prioritize my marriage, career and health/fitness is an enormous self-conflict. I’ve learned that family must come first as life can be full of challenges and family is always a constant. Health and fitness is a high priority as I have committed to having strength and endurance to partner with my equine athletes. I am fortunate to love my career, but after 6 years of higher education and 3 in the field, I have come to realize it is not my passion. Providing someone the opportunity to walk again and gain independence in daily living is incredibly rewarding, yet riding is what I live to do and my career facilitates this dream.
Any other information you would like to share with the Street to Stable community about living a balanced life?
The Street to Stable article highlighting "Peaks and Valleys" sums up my riding/work/home life balance beautifully. One day you’ll look back and see that your former peaks become your new valleys in an ever-evolving sport.