The Secret Life of McKenna & Dorito: Why I do this

After a lengthy gush-fest about Hunter Hayes (this is “Horse Nation” McKenna, not “Hunter Nation”), McKenna gets down to the business of asking hard questions.
From McKenna:

As promised I’m back with juicy details of the Hunter Hayes concert. I waited in line for four hours–totally worth it for the second row seats! It was a tad chilly but we had the car near so I did escape for a bit! The wait was also worth it when a Mom fight broke out. Yep, you read right. Moving on, most of you probably don’t know him but he is an AMAZING country artist (Fun fact: He played all instruments, totaling to over 40, in his album), look him up right now, of course right now meaning after you’re done reading this!! The concert was phenomenal, so glad my two of my best friends took me for their 16th birthday! (Happy Birthday Abby and Alex!:) Yes, they are twins. Anywho, Hunter is boss. He puts on a really great concert, makes eye contact with you to make you feel special. He did his whole album, covers of a few songs, acoustic versions, and a very long encore!! The icing on the cake was MEETING and getting his AUTOGRAPH!!!!!!! Also I got pictures with the other band members, Sam Ellis, who is my home boy, the bassist who we nicknamed “dreads” but is really named Matt, and Steve the drummer. So everyone, hit up hunterhayes.com and find out when he’s coming to YOU!

Sometimes I catch myself wondering what my life would be like had I not chosen horses. Would I be questioning college? How good of a volleyball player would I be–would I have made varsity as a freshman? Would my friends be different?

We as horse people ask ourselves this question–“How would our life be without horses?”–and we as horse people ask ourselves, “Why do we do this?” Most of the time we tend to ask ourselves these questions when tragedy strikes. It might be when you find your horse lame before going to the Pan American games, or falling off at a show, or even when your horse is being a jerk.

I’ll tell you why I do it. I do it because it’s the half that makes me whole (*break out into Tim McGraw song*). I do it because it’s fun to prove people wrong.

“Are you going to sell him?” “Don’t you think it’s time to move on?” “I can’t wait till you get a REAL horse!” “You’re never going to succeed so you might as well just give up now.” “You do what, with what?” “You’re never going to win on him.” Those are all things I’ve heard over and over again about myself and Dorito. And I can tell you, I’ve enjoyed proving every single doubter wrong, every step of the way.

I do it because the looks on people’s faces when we go XC is priceless. I do it because I love the surprised looks, huge grins, and cheers that erupt from people when Dorito makes horse strides. I do it because there is nothing better in the world then galloping. I do it because the thrill of jumping is overwhelming. I do it because it’s fun. I do it because I’m addicted to the adrenaline rush. I do it because crossing the finish line is a feeling like no other. I do it because horse people are the best. I do it because it keeps me wondering. I do it because it’s my destiny. I do it because I’m good at it. I do it because without it I’d be lost. I do it because of the way a horse turns your life around. I do it so I have something to look forward to. I do it because it’s my dream, my life, my love, my future.

I know it might be hard to look up when everything is looking down. You might think I don’t understand. But I do. I may not be a world-class eventer *yet* but I’ve dealt with let-downs. I’ve dealt with falls, broken bones, self doubt, peer doubt, and failures. Trust me Horse Nation. I know it can be tough when the goin’ is gettin’ tough, but I have confidence in you all.

So Horse Nation, what’s your story? Why do you do it? Let us know in the comment section.

Go horses. Go eventing. Go Hunter Hayes.

McKenna and her boyfriend Hunter Hayes.