Along for the ride: FANGIRL
by Robyn Schiller
Robyn is the wife of horse (and people) trainer Warwick Schiller. She invites you to join her as she journeys through her life as trainer’s wife, mother, businesswoman and nationally competitive rider.
It’s always been a little weird when someone comes up at clinics or expos and meets Warwick for the first time and is gushing and “fangirling”. I guess because to me, he’s just “Work” (that’s how my family pronounced his name for a long time!) He’s just the guy I married almost 24 years ago (in February). Don’t get me wrong, I know he’s amazing, but it has still been strange to see his popularity increase – people wanting things with his name on it, wanting his autograph, wanting to take pictures with him. To tell you the truth, I try not to think about it because it still feels a bit surreal.
But, the other day I finally GOT IT!
Let me explain. For the last couple of months, Warwick has had me listening to Brene Brown on audiobook. I spend a lot of time alone and I usually put on talk radio so it is another person’s voice and not just music. He convinced me to switch to some of Brene’s books on Audible and it’s been amazing.
Brene talks about wholeheartedness and vulnerability and shame. So much of it hit home, as it would with any human being who is not a psychopath (she says this). I have listened to all of her full-length books, most with her narrating them and another that is a shorter session. I think I’ve listened to 2 of the full- length books twice and the shorter session about 4 times. I always pick up new things when I listen to them again. The point is, I have binged on Brene Brown recently! She has been my constant companion for about a month!
The other day I was walking Holden around our neighborhood, listening to my friend Brene (because this is what she feels like about now) and I thought to myself, I kinda love Brene Brown! I would actually love to meet her. She could totally be my friend. I pondered why I felt this way and concluded that it was because she had taught me so much. I could relate to her, she was funny, humble, likeable. And then it hit me: this is why people react to Warwick in the same way!
They might not know him, but they’ve listened and watched hours of his videos. They learned things from him that have had a profound impact on the relationship they have with their horses (and with others, we’ve heard). He’s funny, he’s humble and they can relate to him. It’s exactly the way I feel about Brene Brown!
So, if you’ve been one of those people at the clinics or expos or anywhere else, I’m sorry! Don’t get me wrong, I think I’ve always been gracious when people come up to talk to Warwick, but I think if you looked hard enough, the confusion could be seen in my eyes. Now that I know what that feeling is, I will do better and it’s actually pretty cool that people feel that way about Warwick. I sure hope that I get to meet Brene Brown someday and tell her how she has so positively impacted my life. I might even get a picture with her or have her sign a book!
Thanks for reading.
Brene’ is a goddess, love her so much!
We are thankful for you both. We all know that alongside every successful man, whatever his vocation, stands a brilliant, wonderful woman. Uou two are the bees knees 😉
Love how you work thru that! Thanks for sharing. Off to look up Brene Brown immediately….
That makes so much sense! Now I have to go listen to Brene Brown…!
Such a great read! It must be challenging to “share” someone very important to you with so many people. I am trying to imagine what that must be like. If it were me I would really need to pull (or build) something powerful from inside of me to stay centered. I am a fan of the both of you for everything you guys do. I’m your fangirl! I’m sure I’m not the only one!
Sweet!
You were the one who took it back to competition level, the one I wanted the photo with. You and Warwick are a partnership, the package, one and the same. The best news i had was that you were both coming to the UK. Those who know you personally talk of knowing you both. Ask Warwick he would not be the same trainer without you.
It’s great to finally hear your voice Robyn. As a stay at home mom in her thirties living in a major metropolitan city, I had nothing to go on when God sent me to my first horse (leased). I knew no one in the horse world and found this one on Craigslist. Schiller Academy has done so much for me, and I am so grateful to the gifted husband/wife team that made it possible. Now I’m training rescue horses used in a Non-profit to connect to mistreated humans. Keep dreaming big, God is changing horses and people through you both.
May the unity between you be blessed and bountiful!
Robyn, your blog is so wonderful and I truly enjoy reading it. I admire your amazing riding abilities. As a rider I struggle with fear issues, which in most cases keeps me off of my horses. I have three rescued off-track Thoroughbreds (two are 10 the other 24). I also am the proud owner of a 33 year old adorable Pinto gelding and a beautiful 23 year old American Saddlebred mare. I truly appreciate your suggestion in regards to listening to Brene Brown and I intend on starting to listen to her books and reading them right away. Thank you for the encouragement that you provide. Please know that you have many fans (out there) too who thank you for all that you do and who admire you wholeheartedly.
I have certainly been impressed with what and how Warwick is able to teach people about horses and themselves. He is a breath of authenticity and fresh air. You on the other hand, are someone I really would like to meet. I think I would really like you as you are someone that impresses me as well. I look forward to that opportunity. Thanks for being you and the glue that binds it all together.
I. love. this. Blog. Although I have learned so much from Warwick and my confidence with my horses has grown 10 fold since I started on “the Journey”, I’ve never really thought of myself as a “fangirl”. Now…I’m good with that title, at 61 years old😂, and am now wanting to check out Bree Brown’s books…and share them with my daughter! Thanks, Robyn, for another relatable blog!!!