While all of your classmates were running off to dance lessons or art class after school, you were headed to the barn. Skipping seeing friends, going to class parties and missing events became normal because you’d rather be with the horses. Still to this day, you can be found spending countless hours at the barn on the weekends, walking around in public in your boots and riding gear, and smelling like horses most of the time.

1. You’ve been called the crazy horse girl more than once.

So what? Everyone in school is called something, and you just happen to be the crazy horse girl. You’ve become so used to this nickname that you’re indifferent to it. It’s almost a compliment now- like yeah, I like horses, what’s the problem?

2. People tell you it’s not a sport.

Oh yeah, it’s not a sport? Your typical response might be, “You try and make a thousand plus pound animal jump over a three foot jump and tell me how easy it is when they don’t want to do it.” It may sound sassy, but horseback riding is most definitely a sport.

3. You’re not afraid to get your hands dirty.

While everybody else in school is too scared to break a nail or wants to take a nap, you can almost always be found mucking out stalls, cleaning tack or even painting your horses nails with hoof polish. Getting dirty has become a way of life, who wants to look perfect all the time anyways?

4. The barn was right down the street from you growing up and you basically lived there.

While everyone else was going to gymnastics or tennis, right after school it was straight to the barn. You know the changing in the car game all too well.

5. You’ve practiced jumping on your own two feet.

When you’re not riding your horse over jumps, you’re practicing on your own two feet like a dog, counting your strides and everything. Yeah it might look stupid, but hey, it helps.

6. You spend more time at the barn than anywhere else.

No matter what’s going on, you’d rather be at the barn. A place where you can be yourself, be at peace, and be one with your favorite creatures in the world.

7. Your horse is your best friend.

Strong, steady, peaceful, wild, or sassy, your horse is your best friend. They’re always there to listen, have taught you values of trust, hard work, gentleness, and perseverance, and are ultimately here for the long run.

8. Your horse keeps you out of trouble

From the middle school drama, to the high school craziness, to the college stress, your horse has always had your back. They’re always there when you need a breath of fresh air or just a friend to talk to.

9. You're a hard-worker.

Endless hours at the barn, to early morning shows, you're always willing to give 110%. Horses aren’t easy work and when you decided it was your passion, you decided to give it your all.

10. Horses are truly the best creatures in the entire world.

Horses are patient, kind, loving and dependable. They have taught many of us countless lessons. Because of horses, we are kind, nurturing, strong, independent souls who appreciate the world we live in and everything that lives in it.