Life takes us down different paths, but I seem to be on just one, which is with the horse.
Because of the horse I have experienced success, failure, memories, and life-changing circumstances. Each day I wake up and know I am the luckiest person in the world to have experienced the things I have.
Growing up on a working cattle ranch in north-central Arizona, my parents were both horsemen and cowmen. As a result, I was coached by the very best trainers of the day and was exposed to the most talented horses. My parents took me across the United States showing Quarter Horses. I have shown in most states, plus Canada. Myself, my parents, my dogs, and my five horses hauled thousands of miles. It was quite the equine experience for a young girl from Skull Valley, Arizona. I often wonder how they became so forward thinking in the early days of the American Quarter Horse Association and youth competition. The answer is simply because of the horse.
Putting the Horse First
The first thing I remember being taught was that the horses always come first. Our ranch horses worked hard for a living every day and paid for my showing. The ranch horses were amazing souls considering the amount of work they helped us do. As a result, they were fed first, groomed first, and were never ridden without a shoe. Their backs were cooled after a long day, and their well-being was always at the forefront.
That’s why, to this day, I will wake up in the middle of the night with a new plan, a different bit, or a different routine for a certain horse. My mind is filled with how I can better communicate with my horses. Horse training is nothing more than communicating with your four-legged partner. You need to convince him that what you are trying to accomplish will make sense to him without hurting him.
Building Bonds
Often lasting friendships that we’ve made over the years also revolves around the horse. I met my husband, you guessed it, because of a horse. I had a yearling that we had raised with a problem in her front feet. He was a farrier and could fix the problem. We became fast friends first, and then moved on to the best phase of my life, 27 years of marriage.
He has traveled the world because of the horse—from the Kentucky Derby to events like the Arabian Nationals, and now our own equine partners. The welfare of the horse has always been his one and only goal. We make a pretty good pair, sharing our knowledge, working together to solve whatever problem the horse might have. The both of us believe in keeping the tradition of the Western lifestyle alive. We endeavor to support all horsemen, trainers, farriers, veterinarians, saddle makers, braiders, bit-makers, etc., that maintain the highest respect for the horse.
Building a Partnership
As you find yourself on this amazing equine journey, it is important to always remember why you embarked upon it. Don’t ever forget the sheer joy of just being with a horse.
If you have a true partnership with your equine athlete, the wins will come on their own, regardless of the discipline you choose. It’s most important to remember that the only real competition you ever have is with yourself to ride to the best of your ability.
In my lifetime these animals have gotten more athletic and smarter as a rule. That requires more effort and skill on the part of the horseman to get the results they want. The competition bar keeps being raised. That’s how these horses and riders become so dynamic. You can’t accomplish a high level in any discipline until you’re a partner with your equine friend. Enjoy your horse; it’s God’s greatest gift to mankind.
