10/15/2022
“Always pat your pony”. What does this statement REALLY mean? For me, it’s a memory of my own equestrian journey that began as a timid twelve year old girl. It’s a small piece of your heart that says to your horse, “thank you”.
So many people in the community value their horses by how rideable they are, how well they do their jobs, and how their temperament is. We all want a horse to bond and grow with, to ride and enjoy - but what that entails is putting the work in.
Regulating your emotions on those hard days when your horse is pinning their ears at you or bucking.
Bonding with them by grooming and relaxing with them.
Listening to them, learning what your horse is really saying to you.
So many horses are tolerant of their treatment from us, many which are unhappy. (I’m NOT referring to this team at all - these are the happiest most willing horses I’ve seen!)
So when you have a horse that is doing what you want them to do, when they do a great job in and out of the ring, when they’re WILLING to be your partner and not just a machine that does whatever you want - you thank them.
That pat, that rub, that scratch is only a small gesture that goes such a long intimate way with your horse on good and bad days. That’s why “always pat your pony” means so much to me personally, that’s why when I watched this team pat their ponies no matter what - it really showed what good horsemen and women these riders will be ten years from now!
