After some coffee and a therapy session with our horse, it’s possible you could even mistake us for “normal”.
Horse people need horses to function; to care for, to ride, to learn from, to admire, to love and to just be loved back. They are a major part of our lives, and we certainly wouldn’t want it any other way.
To allow an animal that large into our lives requires commitment and dedication. Showering them with treats and attention, that they are already so deserving of, is the norm. Is there anything wrong with that?
Who knew that stinky stalls, random farts, explosive kicks against the stall walls and sharp whinnies would all be welcomed? In fact, we’d think there was something wrong if it were any different.
Horse people even have their own language. Here are some horsey words that you would not know otherwise.
Muck
Gelding
Dapple
Farrier
Gait
Tack (and not a push pin)
Curb (and not a place to kick someone to)
Grade (not a B+)
Paint (not something you color your walls with)
Withers (and not Bill)
Snaffle (not a popular iced tea)
Lope
Lunge
Canter
Just to name a few…
Like bikers, we wave when we see each other on the road hauling our precious cargo to the fair, to shows or to trail rides. Although fiercely competitive, we look out for each other! After all, we are truly on the same team!
There was an appropriate quote I learned early on – It was a big banner in a barn where I stabled my horse… It said “Horse poor and lovin’ it” and boy, ain’t that the truth!? We’re so willing to budget a hefty part of our salary to owning a horse without batting an eye. Yes, that’s crazy, but the experience of owning a horse justifies it. Amirite?
I knew somewhere in my heart, since I was a small child begging to move to the country so I could get a horse, that they would become part of my future. As a young adult, that dream finally came true! However ideal as it would be, I learned that you don’t need a farm in the county to own a horse. I had a great mentor that taught me all she knew about horses and for that I am grateful!
I’m also grateful to my 35 year old mare that showed me such patience through my learning experience with her. She’s now nearing the end of her life, a good life at that, but thank you old girl for the good times!
I do not think I could be truly content without horses being a part of my life! I’m crazy passionate about my job and so thankful that I can spend my days working for the animals that bring us pure joy!