Horseback riding is definitely a non-traditional sport. As a life-long rider, I definitely understand that my sport isn't as commonly understood by the public as, say, basketball or baseball or football. And don't get me wrong, I appreciate when people are curious and try to learn more about riding and horses in general. But there are some things that we, as riders, hear all the time from non-horse people that really get under our skin.

1. Any and all sexual innuendos.

We understand the sexual nature of riding horses. The word "riding" elicits certain sexual implications in certain scenarios. You probably think you're being clever using our passion for horseback riding to hit on us. Little do you know that just about every other guy who has been interested has done the same thing. Be a little more creative, and please don't bring riding into this.

2. "Have you had your horse since it was a pony?"

Now I have to give the lecture about how a baby horse is not, in fact, a pony; it's actually a foal. Then I sound like a nerd and a know-it-all.

3. "Can I ride your horse sometime?"

I don't want to offend you, but no. Never. Not in a million years. Go on a pony ride if you really want to ride.

4. "I rode a horse one time on vacation."

Fascinating.

5. "The one time I rode a horse, it tried to buck me."

See the above photo for an example of a horse bucking. I would be willing to put money on the fact that the horse you rode that one time either tripped or just started walking before you were ready.

6. "When is your next horse race?"

Believe it or not, there is more to the horse industry than racing. I have never galloped a Thoroughbred nor taken part in a race.

7. "You do dressage? What's that?"

I appreciate your curiosity, I really do. But it took me years to fully grasp the intricacies of the actual purpose of dressage. It's going to take me more than a minute to form a quick, dumbed-down response to this question.

8. "How do you make it jump like that?!"