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HI Spy: What’s the Best Part of Being a Horse Lover?

  © Cindy Hale   



Our family and friends refer to us as being “horse crazy.” We’d much rather spend our time at the barn than at school. We figure out ways to skip family functions so we can compete at a horse show. Our horses wear quality tack and expensive shoes while we traipse around in faded jeans and scuffed muck boots. And yet we wouldn’t have it any other way. Why?



Amateur adult rider Susan Fox shared her reasons after a day spent riding her 23-year-old Thoroughbred mare, Maggie. She’s owned the flashy black mare for two decades, and the time spent together has created a bond that Susan says is everlasting.

“She has navicular now,” Susan reveals, “but I treat it and manage it because I feel like I owe it to her. She’s been a great horse. I competed her in eventing when she was younger. Her dressage wasn’t the best,” she admits, “but she loved the jumping. She’d go over anything.”

When asked what she enjoys most about her life as a committed horse lover, she thinks for a moment and replies, “The people that I’ve met. It doesn’t matter what our backgrounds are, what style of riding we do, we share the same language, that same bond. Despite our differences, we’re all horse lovers.”

Indeed. Whether as horse lovers we compete in dressage or jumpers, wear a helmet or a Stetson, race around barrels or mosey down a trail, each of us understands what it means to feel an unwavering closeness to a special animal.

But what do you personally feel is the best part of being a horse lover? Is it having a four-legged best friend? Does a horse allow you to experience the highs and lows of athletic competition? Could you not survive without the stress reduction that horseback riding provides? We’d like to know! Just click on “Submit a Comment” below and share what you think is the best part of being a horse lover. Some of your comments may appear in an upcoming issue of Horse Illustrated.

How do you know if you’re a true horse lover?  Click here >>

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  • The quality time spent with a horse... whether it's a peaceful trail ride, grooming or just hanging out. Those moments are priceless!

  • Kacey is my reason for getting up in the morning. To think that this strong, beautiful, noble animal actually wants to be with me and work with me is a constant source of amazement. We trust and respect each other and the time we have together puts a smile in my heart that helps me get through the rest of life's challenges. The world is a beautiful place from the back of a horse - especially one like Kacey.

  • From just a whisper of nickers anouncing your arrival at the first light of dawn to the thrumming of thourghbred breath as you canter along. I can't think of anything more beautiful than spending time with our equine friends, no matter the activity at hand.I revel in every second of triumph and try to learn from every mistake I make.Just thankful to GOD that I can spend time with these magnificent creatures that he gave us.

  • horses are my life. when i walk into the barn and they peek out of their stalls, when i call them in from the yard and they come running, every day i thank god for them because i know that i can count on them for anything, they will always be there when life is tough, and when we go to shows and we don't do so well i can always take them on a relaxing trail ride where they will let me pour my feelings out,horses can help us with anything we are going through they may not be able to talk but boy can they listen!

  • The best part of being a horse lover, is the unconditional love my girls give each day. Nothing brings a smile and makes the day great then the greeting I get when I pull into the barn. Tilly, Baby Doll and Sonora are the best buddies I could have. The life lessons they have shared and taught me will be with me the rest of my life. Here's to my girls and the many more years we will have to ride the sunset trails.

  • I think the best part of being a horse lover is just being able to be with the horse, and see how far they've come since you got them..to see their progress..and another good part of being a horse lover is the therapy it provides..

  • its really not something that can be described the love between a horse and rider i know i couldnt do it with out them they are always there to listen and they try so hard to please you and you accomplish great things with your horse you grow with your horse in the training process and just spending hours in their stalls just spending time with them most take the horse for grantit and people who do not own a horse do not understand the love that you share for such an amazing animal

  • The reason I love horses is because they're there for you when no one else is. They work willingly for you, without judgement or criticisms. They WANT to spend time with you when you've been hurt by everyone else you know. They're trusting, and loving, and they never do anything to embarrass you. They keep you focused on what really matters, and right when you start to feel sorry for yourself they remind you that there are more important things in life than self pity. They're there for you during all the good AND bad times: your first love, your first heartbreak, graduation, even adulthood, and even when you don't treat them fairly or you do something wrong they forgive you. Horses are loyal, kind, and ever faithful, and all they ask for is a little treat every once in a while! What more can a girl ask for?!

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