Jordan Tucker

This summer, my friend Chloe and I went trail riding together. It was my first weekend-long horseback adventure without my parents. It was slightly scary at first, but Chloe and I were doing it together. For the past six years, I have trail ridden at Big Creek Trail Ride. My parents know 150 miles of trails like the back of their hand. I, however, do not. 

One morning, I decided to take Chloe to the jam cabin. I called my mom beforehand to figure out the direction and trail we needed to go on. I had a map, a plan and a destination. What could go wrong?

We set out for the ride in the morning before the heat was unbearable. We rode along the creek for miles, listening to rushing water and leaves blowing through the trees. I followed my map carefully, knowing we needed to stay along the creek until we reached the river.  

After crossing the bridge, we couldn’t find the trail that was supposed to take us west. We searched around and thankfully found a trail. The problem was we had no idea if it was the right one.

We continued down the trail, crossing the creek and taking in beautiful views of green trees, clear water and blue skies. Then we came to a fork in the road. The trail split in multiple directions, but I had no idea which way to go because the map didn’t show any of them. We had a choice: turn around and try to find our original route or take a chance on a path that wasn’t on the map. We chose the path we didn’t know. We never made it to the jam cabin. But honestly, I don’t think that mattered. Our ride was filled with laughter, friendship and beautiful scenery.

That ride taught me something that applies to much more than horseback riding. Sometimes, we treat our lives like a map. We plan where we want to go, which opportunities we want to pursue and what we think our future should look like. Having a plan is important, but a map can never show every road you will encounter. Opportunities may come along that were nowhere on your original map. When that happens, don’t be afraid to take the unfamiliar path. Some of the greatest opportunities in FFA are the ones we never planned for. Most of the time, we don’t know exactly where that path will lead, and that’s okay. You don’t have to know exactly where every trail ends to enjoy the ride.

So, when your plans change or an unexpected opportunity comes your way, don’t immediately turn around. Take the trail that wasn’t on your map. You might not end up where you originally planned, but you might just discover the path you didn’t expect was the one you were meant to take.