Perceptions

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.