In this deeply personal and heartfelt episode of The Mounting Block, Oriel and Marissa open up about the reality of life getting in the way of riding, of routines, and of each other. With honesty and warmth, they reflect on the few weeks they haven’t ridden together and how hard it can be to keep passions alive when everything else feels overwhelming.

But the real heart of this episode comes as Oriel shares her IVF journey which is raw, emotional, and brave, with an unexpected and extraordinary twist! This isn’t a polished highlight reel; it’s real life, with all its heartbreak, resilience, and hope.

Whether you’re in the thick of IVF, feeling disconnected from your old self, or just trying to juggle too much, this episode is here to remind you that you’re not alone. Sometimes stepping away from the saddle leads to the most powerful perspective of all.