Pursuit of Wellness Podcast: Episode Summary
Title: Horse Girl Chat: Fighting Obesity, Grief, and Life’s Challenges with Michelle Serna (@brokeasshorsegirl)
Host: Mari Llewellyn
Guest: Michelle Serna (@brokeasshorsegirl)
Release Date: November 21, 2024

Introduction

In this heartfelt episode of Pursuit of Wellness, host Mari Llewellyn welcomes Michelle Serna, widely known as @brokeasshorsegirl, a passionate equestrian with a substantial following on TikTok. Their conversation delves deep into Michelle’s journey battling obesity, coping with grief, and overcoming life’s myriad challenges—all while maintaining her dedication to horse riding and the equestrian community.

Michelle’s Equestrian Background and Passion

Michelle’s friend introduces her by saying, "You are my go-to horse girl. If I have a single question, it's going to you" ([00:42]). Michelle elaborates on her extensive involvement with horses, highlighting her extensive knowledge and the chaos that comes with managing multiple animals and a busy household.

Key Points:

• Early Introduction to Horses: Michelle wasn’t born into the equestrian world, unlike her friend, who grew up with horses and had extensive family support.
• Passion Over Profession: Despite not growing up with horses, Michelle developed a deep obsession, leading her to pursue horse riding fervently.
• Challenges for Newcomers: Michelle discusses the steep learning curve and the overwhelming amount of information for those not born into the industry. Her friend advises beginners to start with lesson barns to build a solid foundation ([18:12]).

Notable Quote:
Michelle’s friend emphasizes the importance of lesson barns: “I truly believe... lesson barns truly are, like, the backbone of equestrian sport” ([18:34]).

Navigating the Equestrian Industry

Michelle and her friend discuss the financial and social dynamics within the equestrian community. Despite the significant expenses involved, there's a noticeable decline in active participation, paralleling trends seen in other sports like surfing and BMX.

Key Points:

• Financial Strain: The cost of maintaining horses is substantial, often leading to “black hole” expenses ([71:07]).
• Declining Interest: While aesthetic interest in horses has surged due to media influence, actual participation in horse showing and related activities has decreased ([15:32]).
• Corporate Challenges: Companies find it difficult to penetrate the tightly-knit equestrian market, often facing resistance due to entrenched traditions and the high costs associated ([16:55]).

Notable Quote:
Michelle’s friend bluntly states, “It is not unusual for me to have an eight to ten thousand dollar month. That being said, that is diabolical behavior. That is insane” ([70:52]).

Personal Health Journey: Fighting Obesity

Michelle candidly shares her struggle with obesity, detailing her weight loss journey which she attributes to consistent exercise and dietary changes. Her friend echoes similar sentiments, recounting her own experience of overcoming obesity through powerlifting and CrossFit.

Key Points:

• Michelle’s Approach: She stopped consuming soda and high-calorie lattes, integrated regular workouts, and emphasized consistency ([36:13]).
• Friend’s Transformation: After a debilitating injury in 2020, Michelle’s friend turned to powerlifting, eventually embracing CrossFit, leading to significant weight loss and improved physical health ([33:22]).

Notable Quote:
Michelle’s friend highlights the simplicity of weight loss: “I started moving more, consuming less calories, period” ([42:28]).

Coping with Grief and Its Impact on Wellness

The conversation takes a poignant turn as Michelle’s friend opens up about the loss of her father at 59, attributing his untimely death to poor lifestyle choices. This loss became a catalyst for her renewed focus on health, fitness, and personal growth.

Key Points:

• Grieving Process: She describes her grief as a mixture of sorrow and motivation to improve her life, ensuring her daughter doesn’t experience similar loss ([44:10]).
• Emotional Resilience: Michelle’s friend emphasizes the importance of continuing to "keep on keeping on," finding gratitude amidst grief ([46:08]).
• Holistic Healing: Both Michelle and her friend advocate for addressing multiple facets of wellness—physical health, mental health, and healthy relationships—to achieve overall well-being ([45:27]).

Notable Quote:
Michelle’s friend reflects on her father's legacy: “He spent time with his family, he went on trips. He did the things he enjoyed. He was kind to others” ([48:31]).

National Finals Rodeo (NFR) and Content Creation

Michelle and her friend discuss their upcoming attendance at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. They share excitement about the event, their outfits, and the content they plan to create around it.

Key Points:

• Event Overview: The NFR is described as "like New York Fashion Week meets the Super Bowl" ([51:06]), highlighting its significance and grandeur.
• Content Strategy: Michelle plans to document their experiences, focusing on fashion and equestrian activities, while navigating humorous mishaps and styling challenges ([53:00]).
• Community Engagement: They emphasize the supportive nature of the equestrian community, contrasting it with occasional negative interactions ([78:10]).

Notable Quote:
Michelle’s friend encourages inclusivity: “Normal people need to go to the NFR” ([53:29]).

Advice for Aspiring Equestrians

Drawing from their experiences, Michelle and her friend offer valuable advice to those looking to enter the equestrian world.

Key Points:

• Start with Lessons: Begin at a lesson barn to build foundational skills and gain confidence.
• Choose the Right Horse: Opt for older, experienced horses that can provide valuable learning experiences without the high costs associated with younger, fancy horses.
• Build Independence: Learn to manage horse care, feeding, and health independently to foster a strong bond and self-reliance ([79:44]).
• Manage Finances Wisely: Be mindful of the high costs involved and plan accordingly to avoid financial strain ([80:28]).

Notable Quote:
Michelle emphasizes independence: “Knowledge is power. And I think in general you're just nice and trusting of people, which is honestly a great character trait to have” ([79:44]).

The Therapeutic Connection Between Horses and Humans

The duo explores the profound emotional and psychological benefits that horses offer, emphasizing their non-judgmental nature and ability to foster deep connections.

Key Points:

• Emotional Support: Horses provide unconditional love and can sense and respond to human emotions, offering comfort and companionship.
• Character Building: Interacting with horses teaches honesty, trust, and personal responsibility.
• Healing Power: Spending time with horses can be a healing experience, helping individuals cope with trauma, stress, and grief.

Notable Quote:
Michelle’s friend beautifully encapsulates the bond: “I could sit in silence with my horses for a very, very long time. Nothing is said, but also everything is said” ([66:34]).

Maintaining Horses: Costs and Responsibilities

A candid discussion on the financial and logistical responsibilities of horse ownership highlights the significant commitment required to care for these animals.

Key Points:

• Monthly Expenses: Costs can range from $1,000 to $10,000 depending on the setup, including feed, veterinary care, training, and equipment.
• Time Investment: Regular maintenance, training, and care require substantial time and effort.
• Emotional Commitment: Owning horses demands not just financial resources but also emotional dedication.

Notable Quote:
Michelle’s friend candidly shares, “It is not unusual for me to have an eight to ten thousand dollar month... That is insane” ([70:52]).

Conclusion: Embracing Wellness Through Horses

The episode concludes with Michelle and her friend reaffirming their dedication to horses as a cornerstone of their wellness journeys. They advocate for leveraging their platforms to inspire and educate others about the transformative power of equestrian life.

Key Points:

• Future Goals: Michelle’s friend aspires to start a brand that gives back to the horse community, supporting young riders and promoting horse-related wellness.
• Community Support: Both emphasize the importance of a supportive community in achieving personal wellness and overcoming challenges.
• Continuous Growth: They stress the importance of ongoing personal development, learning, and maintaining a positive outlook despite setbacks.

Notable Quote:
Michelle’s friend passionately states, “My ultimate goal... is to start a brand in the horse space that gives back” ([80:57]).

Final Thoughts

This episode of Pursuit of Wellness offers an inspiring narrative of resilience, passion, and the profound impact that horses can have on one’s physical and emotional well-being. Michelle Serna’s authentic storytelling, combined with her friend’s candid insights, provides valuable lessons for anyone striving to improve their health, navigate grief, or find purpose through their passions.

Notable Quotes Reference:

• Michelle Llewellyn (Host):

  • [00:42] "You are my go-to horse girl. If I have a single question, it's going to you."
  • [02:03] "She keeps her horses at her house..."
  • [18:12] "Please don't stick around. It’s English lesson barns."
  • [36:13] "Three easy things. Stop drinking whole milk every day in your coffee..."
  • [42:28] "I started moving more, consuming less calories, period."

• Michelle's Friend (Guest):

  • [00:42] "I'm the horse encyclopedia."
  • [18:34] “I truly believe... lesson barns truly are, like, the backbone of equestrian sport.”
  • [44:10] "The things I have experienced, I could write a book..."
  • [66:34] “I could sit in silence with my horses for a very, very long time.”
  • [70:52] “It is not unusual for me to have an eight to ten thousand dollar month.”
  • [80:57] “My ultimate goal... is to start a brand in the horse space that gives back.”

Connect with Michelle Serna (@brokeasshorsegirl):

• TikTok: @brokeasshorsegirl
• Instagram: @brokeasshorsegirl

Stay tuned for future episodes of Pursuit of Wellness for more inspiring conversations and wellness insights.