Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Costea.
Hi Jennifer, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always loved horses, but like so many people, life pulled me away from riding for years. Between raising my kids, navigating the challenges of motherhood, and managing my own anxiety, my focus was on everyone else. A big part of me felt like my time had passed with horses. It was something I did for a brief period of time when I was 13. I tried to ride as often as I could, but it ended up always being put on the back burner.
At 40, I made the decision to return to the saddle, after 20+ years. It started after I signed my daughter up for lessons. I thought, maybe I should try this again?? And after one lesson I couldn’t stop thinking about my next ride. So I came back to riding after so much time as someone willing to begin again. From the very bottom. That choice has transformed my life in ways I never expected. It has quite literally changed everything. Riding has become more than a hobby; it’s been a pathway back to myself. I’ve met amazing people and created an amazing community for myself. I’ve cultivated a part of myself that I had no idea I was missing SO much. Horses have helped me rebuild confidence, find consistency in health and fitness, and create an outlet outside of the everyday pressures of life, especially as a mom.
I started sharing my journey openly: the struggles, the wins, and the lessons along the way. Starting a new hobbies at 40 was a huge leap, and incredibly humbling. But the outcome day in and day out, was so overwhelmingly positive I wanted everyone at my age to feel the possibility of living out a dream they’ve tucked away. And my story has resonated with other riders and people who were also rediscovering parts of themselves they thought were lost. That’s how Unbridled by Jen was born. My mission is simple: to inspire others to reclaim passion, confidence, and strength, At Any Age.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road at all. Motherhood has been the most beautiful but also the most consuming part of my life. I have a 10 year old daughter, and an 8 year old son. My son was diagnosed with autism at 2 years old, and so much of my energy has gone into trying to do everything I can for him. That brought a lot of anxiety, guilt, and second-guessing—constantly wondering if I was doing enough. For years, I didn’t leave much space for myself. It was allll about the kids.
When I decided to return to riding, it was exciting, but it wasn’t easy. I carried the weight of mom guilt, wondering if it was okay to pour into something that was just for ME. In the saddle, I also had to face fear head-on. Turns out being and adult and after having kids, your nerves operate with an entirely new intensity. I’ve worked through the nerves that came from one of my earliest falls and all the doubt that came up. There were moments I felt clumsy, too old, or behind compared to others. And for a period of time I also thought maybe I was running out of time to accomplish everything I wanted in riding.
But honestly, that’s where the biggest growth has come from. Horses have reminded me that progress doesn’t happen overnight and that even small wins matter. Both motherhood and riding have taught me resilience in different ways, and together they’ve helped me rebuild confidence, patience, and a stronger sense of self.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My creative work is storytelling through Unbridled by Jen. It began as a personal journal of returning to riding at 40, but it’s grown into a brand and community built around honesty, healing, and inspiration. I share the real journey of being an adult beginner rider: the ups, the setbacks, and the courage it takes to keep showing up. Definitely not as a polished expert, but as someone who is growing right alongside my audience.
What sets me apart is that I’m not trying to present myself as a coach or professional. I’m sharing the lessons I’m learning in real time. I’m weaving together riding, motherhood, and mental health in a way that shows how reclaiming passion at any age can change your life. For the absolute better!
I’m also honored to have become part of LiveEQ’s group of influencers so early in my journey. They are a group of leading influencers in the equestrian space and I couldn’t be more proud to be among them. They saw the unique perspective I bring and have been incredibly supportive of my voice. Being surrounded by others who are equally passionate about the equestrian space has given me a sense of belonging and momentum.
What I’m most proud of is the way people have responded. Many people have told me that my story has given them permission to start again, whether it’s in riding or in another passion they thought they’d left behind. Or they see my struggles and encouragement and say “ thank you, I needed this today.” That’s the heartbeat of my work: reminding people that it’s never too late to return to themselves.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something surprising that many people don’t know is just how much anxiety has been a part of my story. On the outside, people see me riding, creating, and sharing confidently—but what they don’t always see are the years I spent overwhelmed, especially while navigating the challenges of raising a son with autism. For a long time, I lost myself in caregiving and didn’t believe I had the space or energy to pursue something that was just for me.
What makes Unbridled by Jen so meaningful is that it was born from those struggles. Returning to riding wasn’t about chasing a hobby, it really was about finding a way back to myself, piece by piece. Something more than just taking myself out for coffee, a massage, or a facial. I think the most surprising thing is that what looks like confidence now actually grew out of fear, doubt, and the decision to try anyway.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridled__byjen
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CVq8NWRb9/
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridled_byjen
Image Credits
Kirstie Marie Photography
