I do a lot of interviews with “big name” riders, and I thought it would be a good idea to do an interview with each of our guest writers and editors so y’all can get a better idea of the people behind the blog. Our first interview is with Erin Post, who also happens to be our newest guest writer. While Erin writes about everything, her main focus is dealing with mental blocks while riding and putting together budget friendly ROOTDs and TOOTDs (Tack Outfits of the Day).
How did you get into riding?: I wanted to ride when I was little, but my parents always worried I would get hurt, so they made me wait until college (so… age 17). I joined my college’s equestrian club, and started taking lessons with their trainer!
How long have you been riding?: I have been riding for 4 years.
Photo Courtesy of Erin Post.
Where are you from?: Born and raised in Maryland, but I just moved to New Jersey 10 months ago. (Editor’s Note: Erin actually lives about 5 minutes away from me and trains with my old trainer – how cool is that?)
Are you in college? If so, what’s your major?: I’m a junior at the College of Saint Elizabeth, and I major in Communications with a focus in Public Relations.
How often do you ride?: I’m at the barn 2-3 times a week.
What discipline do you ride?: English Hunter.
Do you show? In what divisions?: Nope (personal choice).
Photo Courtesy of Erin Post.
Do you own or lease a horse? Tell us about him or her.: I just got out of a lease in December, and I’m looking into new leases once I get more financially stable. Cassie was my old lease horse, and I loved her to death. She taught me how to be confident in and out of the saddle. Unfortunately, I had to switch barns and now I ride a horse named Cookie Dough! I might eventually lease him. Who knows.
What made you want to write for TLE?: Well, I love to write, and I love writing about equestrian things. This blog is both of those, plus a great team. It’s nice to be able to voice yourself and have others who understand what you’re writing about. Plus, this blog has a huge audience, so it’s nice to get feedback.
What has been your favorite article you’ve written?: So far, I have only written a couple of articles for TLE, but my favorite has to be the one I wrote about riding with anxiety.
How do you come up with ideas for TLE articles?: Well, it started out with Jess asking me to write specific pieces, but then I began branching off into my own ideas. My specific contribution to TLE is researching and reviewing everything that budget friendly, so normally my posts are related to this (but sometimes not). If I get excited about a new item I bought, or items I own that I love, I want to write about it.
What are your riding goals for this year?: Learning to relax in the saddle and enjoy cantering. Stop letting unreasonable fear get in the way of my riding.
What advice do you have for someone who wants to be a TLE guest writer or have a submission piece published?: Submit it even if you think it sucks. Don’t take harsh criticism to heart because not everyone will like your writing, and it’ll only make you better. Don’t give up even if you think your best isn’t good enough. Every writer starts somewhere.
Photo Courtesy of Erin Post.
When you’re not riding, how do you unwind?: I love to shop and I go to a lot of All Time Low concerts!
What are your long-term riding goals?: Be confident and learn to jump.
If you could ride any “famous” horse, which would it be?: Mystery Whisper (Phillip Dutton).
If you could clinic with any big name rider who would it be?: Reed Kessler.
What is your biggest riding strength? Weakness?: Strength: I work hard and give it 110% every lesson Weakness: My mind.
Name your 3 must have equestrian brands.: Ogilvy, Lettia, Ariat
Name your 3 must have equestrian apparel brands.: Kerrits, Mountain Horse, Joules
Betsee Parker’s money & horses or McLain Ward’s equitation?: McLain Ward’s eq
Who is your favorite big name rider and why?: Probably Reed Kessler because of all she has accomplished, and I’ve been able to see her compete live numerous times before, and it’s amazing how easy she makes everything look.
What has been your biggest riding accomplishment thus far?: Cantering, because mentally I have been battling myself on this forever.
What has been your biggest personal accomplishment thus far?: Not falling off at a canter hahaha
Do you have any other pets?: Yes, a Maltese named Winnie!
What’s your favorite riding season?: Spring.
WEF or Ocala?: WEF
Favorite saddle brand?: M. Toulouse.
Tell us your favorite joke.
If you could change one thing about USEF rules, what would it be and why?: I don’t know enough about USEF rules to answer this question.
What are your favorite non-horse-related makeup and clothing brands?: Too Faced, Urban Decay, Buxom, NARS, Tarte, Smashbox | American Eagle, Forever21, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, PINK by Victoria’s Secret, Calvin Klein.
Erin can be found on:
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