Victoria Riggs

Hello! This may make you tear up. My name is Victoria Riggs, and I’m 19 years old, currently in college, trying to balance everything on my own. Like a lot of people, I’m struggling—but I still believe my story is worth sharing. I grew up in a small town with big dreams, especially of being part of the rodeo community. It wasn’t something I was born into, and without money or connections, it always felt just out of reach. But I didn’t let that stop me. I worked for two years just to earn riding lessons, putting in time, effort, and everything I had. For a while, I felt like I was finally getting somewhere. Then life shifted. I had to stop riding, and I couldn’t find a way back in. It felt like everything I had worked so hard for just slipped away, and honestly, it broke me more than I expected. Now, being in college brings a different kind of struggle. I’m working a part-time job, trying to keep up with classes, and at the same time stressing about how I’m going to afford housing and basic needs. It’s overwhelming trying to hold everything together while feeling like the one thing I truly loved is still out of reach. But I haven’t given up. I’ve started reaching out to people again—asking if anyone needs help with their horses, feeding, cleaning, anything at all—just for the chance to be around what I love. I’m still pushing, even when it’s hard, because that dream never really left me. I know everyone has their own battles, but this is mine. And I’m still fighting for it. Thank you for listening.