The human-animal relationship is a truly astounding part of the human existence. I have found that the human-equine relationship is exceptionally powerful and, in some cases, becomes a prevalent factor in shaping a personality. In my years developing as both a hopefully decent person and a semi-decent rider, I have discovered that the relationships I have built with certain horses have left an indelible imprint on how I approach relationships with both people and horses alike.
1. The First School Horse
He taught me everything, all the basics of being allowed the privilege to approach these animals at all. And he was patient about it—mostly. But the best part of the first school horse is that he wasn’t always Mr. Perfect. He was some days stubborn and a bit unmotivated. He didn’t want to take the bit. He religiously maintained a strict left lead canter only policy. And there were tears cried of pure frustration, but there wasn’t a malicious bone in his body. He was the ultimate educator, I would later see qualities of this horse in my college professors, willing to teach even more than I thought I wanted to learn.
2. The Perfect Pony
This guy was truly the full package. Just enough “go” in him to save us both from my little legs thumping his sides day after day, but not quite enough “go” to scare my mother’s support away. Two, or even three, of us at a time would climb on him bareback and ride the trails, or canter around the ring with no hands. At my first horse show in my first class, we were first place, and every single moment spent scrubbing his white spots into immaculacy seemed absolutely worth it. Much like the sweet middle school boyfriend, the perfect pony has other girls now, but I am thrilled to see he has found a path that works for him and a life that makes him so visibly happy.
3. The Not-So-Perfect Pony
Every equestrian has met one of these, a cute pony with a not-so-cute attitude. This little mare did more for me than I am still willing to admit, and most of it came from tossing me dozens of time without remorse. My very first public fall, in fact my first and only fall in the show ring thus far, was courtesy of this precious spitfire. And, yes, there were many, many tears. But despite the constant sass, I was determined to make our friendship work, and the very last class we ever rode in together, we finally placed in the ribbons. Everyone has redeemable qualities, and humility in all things is a lesson I am proud to have learned from this pony.
4. The Best Friend
This mare was honestly my very first long-term, emotionally invested relationship. The first days were rocky, she was catty, I was inwardly timid; it was neither a complete disaster, nor was it totally ideal. But she was young, and I was young, and we both needed time. We found that somewhere along the way of the five years, two farms, and three trainers we saw through time together. We adapted to each other’s flaws and strong suits, though not without a fair share of some heavy disputes. At the end of the day, it was a loving and successful partnership, based on an understanding of each other that I have experienced in very limited quantities even in human relationships. I still don’t have the words to place just exactly what she means to me. But college came, and, as with all my valued friendships, our time together every day was forced to come to an end and to this day I am ecstatic to see photos of her on social media and to cheer her on in her new endeavors. She will always be a best friend, and I look forward to the day we can spend time together again.
