Horse Person versus Horseman

Welcome back to #EquestrianEducation with #GrandSlamEquestrian
#WednesdayWisdom, Part 3:
I hear all too often many people who put “horse people” into a particular category. In particular, in a derogatory way and often toward women in sport. 
What I have learned over the last several decades in the industry is that there are in fact two types of people involved in horses. 
We have those that like to boast that their child or themselves have accomplished x, y, or z within the industry. They have competed at x, y, & z venues across the country. These are often people who have very expensive horses and very little experience and education behind them. It’s all about the “status”. At the end of the day your “status” does not keep you safe on your horse. If they can’t ride the first horse, their trainer will have them vet, import, and just buy another. Their trainer just takes their money over, and over, and OVER again. It’s always “cookie time” for their horse. They have the best attire. They have their own rig, but they only go forward. 
These individuals are what we call HORSE PEOPLE. 
Next we have the people who go to bed after sundown and are up before daylight the very next day. These are the people patiently braiding your horse into the wee hours of the night. The ones lunging in the dark. The ones shipping their own horses. They know how to back the rig they are driving like a seasoned professional in a semi, even if it’s only a two horse bumper pull. These are people cleaning stalls or filling water buckets just to help out the hired help. These are people hand walking colicky horses waiting on the vet. These are people who have inexpensive horses and are surrounded by the best instruction and the best team of individuals. They understand with the right help in your corner you can develop your own horse. They are rewarded slowly with small victories. 
These individuals are what we call HORSEMAN. 
I will admit, my parents did things very backwards at first- they bought a four year old horse for their three year old daughter. Green is usually not good for green. Fortunately, things worked out and Superboy was the greatest pony. I’ve been grateful that I’ve had excellent instruction and good, professional mentors over the years. I could have stayed a horse person, but instead I chose to invest in myself, my horses, and my business every. single. day. to become a horseman. 
So here’s to the fourth generation of wonderful horseman who will continue to teach the next generation. Grateful for these horseman who I also get to call “my” family. 
We all can learn something new from someone else in this industry. Where do you find yourself these days, as a Horse Person or a Horseman?
#fourgenerationsofhorseman #horseman #horsepeople #equestrian #devon #leadline #devon2023 #professionalequestrian #grandslamequestrian

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