
Someone came to visit the other day and as I was introducing them to my horses, she asked the dreaded question: “So…what do you do with them?”
*sigh*
THAT question.
But I can’t point fingers because I used to do the same thing; pigeon-hole riders into a specific discipline or style.
“Oh, you’re a dressage rider.”
“So you ride western, eh?”
And I still do that with people at times. “What do you DO?”
He’s an engineer/cook/daycare worker…etc, etc, etc.
Funny how we don’t ask people what they DO with their dogs or their pet fish or their Maidenhair Fern.
I used to mumble somethingorother about some eclectic/classical/natural horsemanship blend, not knowing how to explain what I do. But each time I have answered this question, I get more and more clear.
This time I said, “I just mess around and have fun. Play with a little dressage, a little working equitation, mostly just enjoy them.”
She (a mad polocross enthusiast) still looked puzzled.
“You know,” I said. “Old lady stuff.”
The lights went on, she nodded and smiled knowingly, and went happily on her way.
Now THAT I wasn’t expecting!
But it felt good to be less pressured to even explain at all. Maybe one day I’ll be relaxed enough to say something like, “I do whatever my horses and I enjoy, even if it’s nothing.”
However, I really do need to DO something with Mireya, pictured above. Something that requires burning a few of those calories off her…
Just had a conversation about this in another group – trail riding – how it’s looked down on or we feel guilty that this is ALL we do – but it’s what makes us happy! So as my BF says… and what the heck is wrong with that?!? ❤️
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