It is an undeniable fact that horses are expensive to own. While it is possible to own and properly care for a horse on a limited budget (I have always believed that where there's a will, there's a way), many non-riders see horses and riding as something of an elitist sport, and to be fair it can be in some situations, especially at the higher levels.
However, I didn't have a lot of money growing up (I still don't), but I really do believe in the words of Winston Churchill, "There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man." I also believe that there is something inside a horse that is just as good, if not better, for the whole beings of the humans who love and enjoy them. And because I believe these things, I have always sought to "pay it forward" by making every effort to share my horses with others, especially horse-crazy young girls. Yes, I make my living with horses, but I try to find ways to encourage the children and adults who take lessons with me to spend time around the barn, watching, learning, working with their hands and finding the fulfillment and release that horses can provide. I've been witness to so much healing facilitated by horses, that it only serves to deepen my passion for teaching.
But yesterday I saw a scene that reminded me of what many outsiders to the horse world envision when they think of equestrians. While standing in my favorite tack shop, waiting in line to be checked out, a woman and her high-school age daughter were flitting around the checkout counter, keeping the clerks busy with last minute changes to their purchases. The daughter was dressed in top-of-the line English riding gear, and she was complaining (whining, really) about EVERYTHING. "This ear net isn't the right shade of blue - can you order another one just like it, but a little darker, and with different trim? I don't care if it costs, extra, I need it and my mom will pay for it." And "I don't like the Tailored Sportsman* breeches I bought last week. I got three pairs, but they make my butt look big - can you get me two different pairs before my big show in 5 weeks?" The big kicker, said with a totally straight face, "Yeah, I only tell my mom "thank you" when she buys me something expensive. She always complains about that."
I was rather in shock, but I suppose I shouldn't have been. The mom was there the whole time, talking about her daughter's accomplishments and the various $100k horses they were shopping for like a Toddlers and Tiaras pageant mom. This was obviously not a healthy dynamic between mother and daughter. I really do not have anything against "the rich". I know some truly wealthy people, and with very few exceptions, they are fun, enjoyable people to be around. What I have a problem with are obnoxious people in ANY income bracket to act like spoiled, selfish brats, and who give others the impression that they are truly ungrateful for what they have. THAT is what makes other other equestrians and our sport look bad. I rarely find myself thinking about what I don't have (or how my big booty looks in my $29 schooling breeches) and instead focusing on ways to do better with what I have at hand. I'm happy, my horses are happy, and "my" kids are happy - and that's what matters. I only hope that that feeling of contentment shows and will change the idea in at least one person's mind about what horse people are really like.
* For those who don't know, Tailored Sportsman breeches start at about $200 a pair.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
9th annual 9/11 Western Horse Show
Yesterday I had the great honor (and equally great fun) of attending the 9th annual 9/11 Fallen Fireman's Fund Western Horse Show at Sycamore Trails Stables in San Juan Capistrano.
This was my second year attending this great event. All the fees from this show, along with the proceeds from raffle ticket sales and a silent auction went to support the Fallen Fireman's Fund. A small group of on-duty firemen from the local fire house also attended the event, complete with a beautiful fire engine. One of the firemen, who had lived in New York as a young man and who had personally lost friends and family during the 9/11 attacks spoke. His heartfelt and earnest descriptions of his thoughts and feelings, both then and now, were enough to bring tears to many an eye.
But while the sadness we all felt in remembering the tragedy that befell our great country ten years ago was present, it was overpowered by the spirit of community and friendly competition that permeated the event. Though the show was not quite as big as it had been last year, the crowd was energetic in their support for the firemen, and for each other. Competitors clapped and cheered as each ribbon winner was announced, and whooped and hollered for everyone who ran in a speed event or participated in a game.
In addition, many businesses within San Juan's bustling equestrian community - including a local Starbucks store (preferred supplier of caffeine for many a rider), provided some truly fantastic prizes for the 1-4th place winners of each class.
On a more personal note, I was able to take three lovely young ladies (all students of mine) with me to the show. (I'll refer to them as H, M, and C for their privacy). Only H was showing, but her older sister M and their friend C attended as grooms. All the girls did a lovely job, and I'm proud to say that H won 2nd in Showmanship, 4th in trot Pole Bending, and 3rd in trot Barrels. Though H has been riding for several years, she is still a rather new convert to Western riding and it was her first time showing in all three classes.
I'm also proud to say that H rode my 5 y/o blind paint mare Every Girls Dream (Rose) in all three classes. While Rose is a seasoned Halter and Showmanship competitor, she has only shown under saddle once before, and it was Rose's first time competing in barrels and poles (in fact, due to not owning a pole bending set, it was Rose's first time riding the pattern, and only her 3rd time running the barrel pattern). But all her turns were tight and clean - even though she lost a shoe on her way to the second barrel!
M and C were fantastic first-time grooms, and of course they're both looking forward to their own turns in the show ring next season!
This was my second year attending this great event. All the fees from this show, along with the proceeds from raffle ticket sales and a silent auction went to support the Fallen Fireman's Fund. A small group of on-duty firemen from the local fire house also attended the event, complete with a beautiful fire engine. One of the firemen, who had lived in New York as a young man and who had personally lost friends and family during the 9/11 attacks spoke. His heartfelt and earnest descriptions of his thoughts and feelings, both then and now, were enough to bring tears to many an eye.
But while the sadness we all felt in remembering the tragedy that befell our great country ten years ago was present, it was overpowered by the spirit of community and friendly competition that permeated the event. Though the show was not quite as big as it had been last year, the crowd was energetic in their support for the firemen, and for each other. Competitors clapped and cheered as each ribbon winner was announced, and whooped and hollered for everyone who ran in a speed event or participated in a game.
In addition, many businesses within San Juan's bustling equestrian community - including a local Starbucks store (preferred supplier of caffeine for many a rider), provided some truly fantastic prizes for the 1-4th place winners of each class.
On a more personal note, I was able to take three lovely young ladies (all students of mine) with me to the show. (I'll refer to them as H, M, and C for their privacy). Only H was showing, but her older sister M and their friend C attended as grooms. All the girls did a lovely job, and I'm proud to say that H won 2nd in Showmanship, 4th in trot Pole Bending, and 3rd in trot Barrels. Though H has been riding for several years, she is still a rather new convert to Western riding and it was her first time showing in all three classes.
I'm also proud to say that H rode my 5 y/o blind paint mare Every Girls Dream (Rose) in all three classes. While Rose is a seasoned Halter and Showmanship competitor, she has only shown under saddle once before, and it was Rose's first time competing in barrels and poles (in fact, due to not owning a pole bending set, it was Rose's first time riding the pattern, and only her 3rd time running the barrel pattern). But all her turns were tight and clean - even though she lost a shoe on her way to the second barrel!
M and C were fantastic first-time grooms, and of course they're both looking forward to their own turns in the show ring next season!
Friday, September 2, 2011
Topics
I should have said this sooner, but I am simply posting about whatever comes to mind. If a reader should happen to have any suggestions, questions, or issues they'd like me to address, you can leave a comment in response to this post, or send me an email.
New Horse Magazine!
I recently discovered a great new magazine called Horse Highways (www.horsehighways.com)
It's for recreational and trail riders, especially people who like to travel with their horses. The magazine and website cover California, Oregon and Nevada. It has directories with information on trail riding destinations, complete with trail reviews, as well as listings for vets you can contact while traveling, and even a great concept I hadn't seen before - Bed & Barns.
Bed & Barn facilities are exactly what you're thinking! They're Bed & Breakfast style Inns with stalls for overnight rental. If you like to travel with your horse as much as I do, this can be a really fun way to do it. I like to take my paint mare camping on a regular basis, and while I love camping and the peace and quiet that comes from "roughing it" - I'm thinking that it will be awesome to try a Bed & Barn! I'm going to start saving up now!
It's for recreational and trail riders, especially people who like to travel with their horses. The magazine and website cover California, Oregon and Nevada. It has directories with information on trail riding destinations, complete with trail reviews, as well as listings for vets you can contact while traveling, and even a great concept I hadn't seen before - Bed & Barns.
Bed & Barn facilities are exactly what you're thinking! They're Bed & Breakfast style Inns with stalls for overnight rental. If you like to travel with your horse as much as I do, this can be a really fun way to do it. I like to take my paint mare camping on a regular basis, and while I love camping and the peace and quiet that comes from "roughing it" - I'm thinking that it will be awesome to try a Bed & Barn! I'm going to start saving up now!
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