Big Animals, Bigger Egos- I need to vent!

[SamanthaSky]

Wow. The horse industry. How is it possible for anyone to learn when everyone already knows everything? Since when did money buy experience and talent? And why is everyone so afraid to admit they need help?

I swear, if regular business people treated me the way horse people treated me there would be even bigger problem in this world than we already know! In a world driven by money, the horse industry see's it's fair share of cattiness. The horse has always stood as a symbol of class and money. From Kings to Queens, fashion designers and celebrities. Horses are an exquisite animal that the wealthy love to love.

I question weather or not these women even like horses, to begin with. Or is it just something that seemed like a good thing to do. Do they enjoy being dirty, getting up early, being bitten, stepped on and scared for their lives? Or is it more of a show , 'look how much money I have' than a deep love. I have seen grown women inject and drug their horses until the point they can no longer possibly carry their fat arses any longer. If you can't ride, learn how. Don't make excuses. Get in the saddle and work at it. But typically this type of person has made lots of money in other avenues of life, and feels that they have a right to be a good rider because they bought a $100,000 horse.

'My horse is broken, I want a new one.' Seriously... you obviously are not a horse person. You know who you are.

It is ok to be a, not so good rider. It is ok to be afraid. It is ok to ask for help. The other day my student was telling me essentially what a great rider she is. Then I sat on her horse. What she didn't realize was that, you can't hide that. I can tell. I could tell she was nervous. I could tell she was hanging on for dear life. I told her this, and she right away defended her self. Why not just tell me, ya I was nervous. I don't care if you are nervous. I told her you should be nervous, he is a big powerful animal.

I've learned it once and I will continually be reminded everyday for the rest of my life, riding is a humbling experience. Just when I think i have it all figured out, I land on my behind.

So here I am struggling. Sweating. Trying. Tired. frustrated. Poor. Experienced... but can't make a living doing what I love because the fat cat with the money wins the race. One day I dream that the truth will come out, and people will see my hard work and dedication are worth more than the price tag of someone else’s ego.

Okay, rant over.

[horse99]

Ahh yes I think we all have had days like this. Chin up, persevere and keep at it. There will always be someone who has more money then you, a "better" horse, better car, better house, whatever. The key is to look around and be happy for what you do have, and for what you have accomplished. If you can find happiness and peace within yourself, your days of feeling like this will become less and less. I know because I have been there. Also know that no matter who you look at that has more then you, there is always someone who is looking at you, wishing they had what you have, and can do what you can do.

[striderrider]

Oh tell me about it! If I had a dollar for every bad rider that I see that thinks they can ride just because they have a lot of money and can afford a fancy horse I would be rich! What frustrates me even more, is that I see these dorky riders flop around a dressage test and they get decent scores! I always thought you had to learn to "sit" on a horse before you should move up to the more talented horses. Well, I guess money says you can do anything you want.

[SamanthaSky]

Thanks for the words of encouragement. Strider- I am glad i am not the only one who feels this way. It hurts when I know I work so hard to get somewhere, on horses that I train myself- from the ground up, and then someone with half the talent (and brains) can just pay a lot of money and come out ahead and then the world thinks that they are god just because they can afford the fanciest horses. And if one doesn't work out, they just throw it away and buy another one. Nice.

[luvs2jumphorses]

im with you guys on this one especially(strider and samantha)i think exactly the same way...samantha i'm just like you...train all my horses my self born to grown up show horse and the ones with the 100,000 + horse.. somehow come out still with an advantage.

i love you rant..

[SamanthaSky]

Hey thanks luvs2jump. Some days I feel no matter how hard I work and try, and all the hours I put in get mitigated by someone who can just go out and by their way into the sport. I won't lie if I say it doesn't get me down at times, because it does- but hey I am not going to let it keep me down. It just makes me want to work harder and prove that my horses are just as good or better.

[peppysan]

You guys should be greatful that you are not going out and buying $100,000 horses. You have something those people don't have. The know-how and power to train your own horse. That is a gift that few have. Not to mention I think it is MUCH more satisfying to ride or watch a horse that YOU trained do well in the ring then it is some already trained horse that somebody else did all the work on that already knows how to do everything.

[SamanthaSky]

Peppy you sound like my dad. he says it "builds character." lol

You make a good point in that I do get a lot of satisfaction out of seeing my horses succeed. (when they succeed)