08/19/2026
I wanted to jump on here and talk about a few things, as I’ve been getting quite a few questions lately.
First and foremost, I want to thank everyone who has supported me and my business as I’ve navigated taking on my own client horses. Your support, encouragement, and trust in me has meant more than I could ever put into words. I’m so grateful for every person who has believed in me and allowed me the opportunity to work with their horses. ❤️
Secondly, I wanted to be honest and address some of the questions I’ve been receiving.
The last couple of weeks have been incredibly difficult in more ways than one. Back in March, I was involved in an accident while riding a c**t. I spent a couple of days in the hospital and was released without many answers as to why I was in so much pain and struggling to do even the simplest tasks.
In true me fashion, I carried on. I kept riding horses, rodeoing, working, and doing all of the things I love so much. I pushed through the pain because horses have always been such a huge part of who I am, and I didn’t want to slow down.
Eventually, though, the pain became too much and started affecting my everyday life more and more. I went back in looking for answers, and I found out that I have a herniated disc. Things that most people don’t think twice about—getting out of bed, getting dressed, bending over, or simply getting through the day—have become difficult challenges for me.
I was then told by my doctor that I cannot ride or do anything physically demanding until my back is properly treated and healed.
Those who know me know just how incredibly hard that is for me to hear. Horses, riding, training, and rodeo aren’t just hobbies to me. They are a huge part of my life and who I am.
And as if that wasn’t enough, that same day I lost someone incredibly close to me to domestic violence.
That loss has put so many things into perspective. It has reminded me just how short and unpredictable life can be. So please, make that phone call. Send that text. Tell the people you love how much they mean to you. Make the memories. Take the pictures. Say the things you’ve been meaning to say—because we truly never know when we won’t have the opportunity to do it again.
With all of that being said, I wanted to let everyone know that as of right now, I will not be taking in any new client horses.
This is not the end of Erickson Performance Horses. It’s simply a goodbye for now. ❤️
Right now, I need to step back and give myself the time I’ve spent so long avoiding—time to heal physically, time to heal emotionally, and time to take care of myself.
This decision is not easy. Walking away from something I love so deeply is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. But I know that if I want to come back and continue doing what I love, I have to listen to my body now.
I am incredibly thankful for every client who trusted me with their horses, every person who supported my business, every person who cheered me on, and every person I’ve met along the way. I’ve loved the horses I’ve had the opportunity to work with, the people I’ve met, the adventures I’ve been on, and being part of such an amazing crew that has become more like family.
I also want to take a moment to recognize a few very special people who have been there for me through all of this.
Victoria Van Der Zwan, thank you for everything. For the experiences, the memories, the opportunities, the lessons, and everything in between. I’m so incredibly grateful for everything you’ve done for me and for the role you’ve played in my journey. There is so much more I could say, but just know that I appreciate you more than you know. ❤️
Jordyn Secord, thank you for the countless hours you spent sitting with me in the hospital, for being there through the hard days, and for the constant support and encouragement. Having someone beside me through some of those moments meant more than I can put into words. I’ll never forget it. ❤️
Emma, thank you for always reminding me that I am still the same person I was before all of this. Thank you for reminding me that my body may not be allowing me to do the things I once could right now, but that doesn’t change who I am. Thank you for telling me it’s not over, that I will come back, and that one day I will be able to do the things I love again. Those reminders have meant more to me than you probably realize. ❤️
Jamie Erickson and Monique Gowe, thank you for being there for me in the hospital and through every up and down since. Thank you for showing up, checking in, listening, and being there when I needed someone. Your support has meant so much to me.
There are honestly so many more people I could name, and I could probably write an entire novel trying to explain what each of you has meant to me through this chapter. To everyone who has called, texted, checked in, helped me, encouraged me, listened to me, or simply reminded me that I’m not alone—thank you. You may never fully understand just how much those little things have meant during some of the hardest days.
I truly believe that the people who show up when life gets hard are the people you never forget. And I will never forget the people who showed up for me. ❤️
For now, I’m pressing pause—not giving up.
This isn’t goodbye forever. It’s just goodbye for now.
I’ll be back when I’m ready, healed, and able to give the horses, my clients, and this business the time and effort they deserve.
Until then, thank you for being patient with me, supporting me, and understanding this next chapter.
Sometimes the strongest thing you can do is slow down, heal, and trust that there is still a road ahead.
And I truly believe there is. ❤️🐴
Erickson Performance Horses
