Real Horsemen and Women
February 26, 2008
I unfortunately started my day by coming across a new horse blog whose writer is close-minded, ignorant, and rude. I’m not about to do it the favor of giving it a link so you can go check it out either.
This blog is written by a woman who shows western in the AQHA. And she spends her time on her blog completely ripping apart non-stockhorse breeds and all other disciplines outside her own. She shows her ignorance about other disciplines, other breeds, and people in general. And she thinks her meanness is funny. In her most recent post, she says she’s sick and that she’s having a hard time coming up with anything “funny.”
“I think I will pick an easy topic today, stupid horse breeds. Stupid breed # 1: Arabs. I know, I know its so easy, there is so much material. I will try to make it fresh for you. What are arabs actually for? I mean besides spooking. I guess they can do English classes, but really what horse cant do english? But look at this: these horses are too small for grown-ups and too stupid for children. Adults really do look like idiots on Arabs, they may as well be ponies, no one over 13 should be allowed to own one”
And this is just the beginning. She goes on and on. I’ll admit, Arabs aren’t my favorite breed either. But that doesn’t mean I dislike them. And I still have a lot of respect for the people who love them and work with them. I know that I don’t understand everything about them, and like with any horse, they have their strengths and weaknesses and unique styles. And that’s ok. Just because I like thoroughbreds best doesn’t mean they are for everybody. And just because you prefer stock breeds doesn’t mean they’re for everybody. If you haven’t already, spend some time over at MiKael’s Mania and learn about Arabians and the people who love them. You’ll gain a new appreciation for these equines!
In an earlier post, she rips apart everybody outside of her own age group.
“The second group of 50+ horse owners are the “old hags” I touched on them in the “classical riding” post. These are the sour, bitter dregs of humanity. They are either “dressage” freaks because they are too scared to jump anymore (not that I blame them for that) but still don’t really ride. They can also be rabid parelli freaks who need to ‘desensitize’ poor Jasper before they ever ride him. Jasper must be really, really spooky because it takes them about 5 years to “desensitize” their horses.”
You want to read something intelligent and real about the older people who ride horses? Go check out Grey Horse Matters and you’ll see what the older riding crowd deals with. Oh, and with their age comes a good helping of wisdom and character. I love that “dressage freaks” and “don’t really ride” are in the same sentence. I don’t ride dressage either, but I know how difficult it is. It’s not my cup of tea, but I have a huge amount of respect for the people who pull it off successfully.
I’m a firm believer that true horse people love all horses and respect all breeds, disciplines, and styles of training that do not harm the horses. All people are different, so we are going to have different things that appeal to us. We need to treat others with dignity and learn to understand and respect our differences. There are times to express righteous indignation … when a horse or human is being hurt or endangered in some way. I think anyone who cannot accept and appreciate differences and different ways of doing things isn’t a horsewoman, she’s just a rider. There’s just so much love and connection to be had with horses, there’s no excuse.
Thank you to all of you horse bloggers out there who truly love horses and respect and appreciate others. It’s a joy to “know” you and to share our passions as we learn more about these great animals and different ways of doing things.
Posted in Jackie's Thoughts, Making a Difference
February 26th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
I’m feeling quite left out of this lady’s negative comments on horses of all kinds. How about going after the Tennessee Walking horses !! And I mean the natural gaited ones … like mine!
My suggestion would be for her to find another “arena” in which to vent her inner hostilities, perhaps therapy. Horses and horse people would be much happier.
Thanks for not giving her link. I’m afraid I’d have to straighten her up, a bit.
February 26th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
It makes me sad to read such opinions. Not only are they ignorant but they show the anger and bitterness of a very unhappy person. I hate to see anyone so troubled by life. You are right on this person could use some serious therapy.
I do have to chuckle just a bit. I not only got slammed for my choice of horses but I got slammed for my age as well. It’s a good thing I don’t worry about stuff like this anymore. And I really appreciate being in such good company as Grey Horse Matters. We share lots of the same philosophies and probably some aches and pains as well, but it doesn’t stop either one of us.
Thanks for standing up for us.
February 27th, 2008 at 8:49 am
Great post Jackie! I have not yet had the, umm, “pleasure” of reading this persons blog, but should I come across it, I’ll let you know…
That is one of the things that make the horse world so diverse- you have those of us who are more open minded and willing to learn and enjoy each other, and then we have the nay-sayers and ignoramuses. (I am sure I butchered that spelling… not enough coffee yet..lol)
I have always thought that if you only had bad things to say, and could only rip apart other breeds, training methods, riding styles, etc, then you were pretty limited in your knowledge AND you were very insecure in what you knew as well. Anyone who has to tear others down to make themselves looks better needs more than therapy IMO…
Keep up the good job here Jackie, and as always, I’ll be back for more!
February 27th, 2008 at 8:58 am
Thanks for posting this. I know there are some really ignorant horse people out there, who have no tolerance for anything other than what they do. My horse of choice is Dutch Warmbloods, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have respect for other breeds. We own quarter horses, QH/draft cross, a Trekhener and have had many wonderful Thoroughbreds off the track who couldn’t have been sweeter, I was at a barn with a girl who owned an Arabian. He was a beautiful gray and there was nothing stupid about him and for a smaller guy he could jump a 4 ft. course, no problem.
Of course I’m annoyed at having been singled out for being old, hey, I have no choice in the matter. Just because we are older doesn’t mean we will ever give up our love of horses which most of us have had since childhood. I better stop now before this turns into a rant, because I am getting more angry by the moment, so I will end on a good note and thank you for being an insightful “younger” horse person who has an open mind about all horses and people.
February 27th, 2008 at 10:22 am
It’s one thing to be aware of the idiosyncracies of a breed or discipline and a have fun joking about it, but there’s no reason to be plain mean.
Strawberry Lane - I don’t even want to imagine what she’d say about gaited horses! I’ve grown up riding trotters and I have a hard enough time understanding the gaited horses I ride occassionally, and I keep an open mind. I shudder to think…
Rising Rainbow - with everything you’ve been through in life it’s great that you are so well-adjusted and self confident. I’m glad there’s people like you out there who do what you love no matter what anybody else says or thinks! I know I’ll be one of those little old ladies still riding horses in my 70’s and 80’s and probably still popping over small jumps!
Mrs Mom - I think you are right in saying that people who bring others down are insecure. It’s funny, but so often low-self esteem manifests itself in an overly large ego. We all have our weaknesses, but we all have our strengths. I sure hope that someday this writer learns to accept herself the way she is … and accept others the way they are!
Grey Horse Matters - sorry to target you as the “old” blog, I just know those are issues you purposely discuss.
Plus I just like your blog (we’re itching for a new post, hint hint). I love that you’ve worked with and kept a large variety of horse breeds. I’ve spent a lot of time around thoroughbreds and really love them, but my barn was large and had a great variety of breeds. It’s so much fun to learn about the differences between breeds … the more you learn the more know! I know an Arab pony as well who seems to be built on springs. She’s not very tall, but she’ll jump anything (after taking a good look at it).
February 27th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Ah Ha, I found the fat *ss brainless twit that wrote that…….Did you look at her fat *ss picture of her? No wonder she has to dis everyone else, must need it to build her own self esteem, which she clearly lacks. And green is definately not her color. Also the reference to her own horses and the fact that she must spur for western pleasure……hmmmm…….makes me wonder just exactly her own skills. People who must behave as such, certainly lack in their own right. I feel sorry for her, really…..No, I feel sorry for the horses in her care.
February 27th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
I was redirected here from MiKael’s Mania. So many things I want to comment on, but one thing I need to say. I am glad you didn’t give the link to this women’s site. She doesn’t need the attention. Whatever she is trying to accomplish, belittling is not the way. She sounds like an insecure and grossly unhappy individual, and I hope for her and her horses sake she can turn this around.
February 27th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Hmmm I always wondered what happened to Hitlers kin. Now I know, lucky us. This person (and I am using the term pretty losely) needs to get a flippen life. Perhaps her home has no windows and she cannot see the real world. I ride an ARAB, I ride dressage!!! I am almost forty, from what she says my horse and I may as well be taken out and shot.
February 27th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
Ah yes, thanks to a mutual pal, I was able to visit the site Jackie. Considering that I admitedly have a very strange sense of humor at times, (ok, like 98% of the time,) I had to laugh the whole way through what I could stand to read.
I have a theory (ok, there are QUITE a few theories there truthfully… but not all of them fit for print, right CALLIE?) This one however is, and I have to wonder if it is not an attempt to bring herself the “fame” and “glory” that another sucessful, strongly worded, and “rough” blog has. I believe she is attempting to create a controversial blog, which generates a large (L-A-R-G-E) amount of traffic, in order to become a “professional” blogger.
Controversy brings in great traffic numbers, but see, you need to be intelligent in your writing, know your subject material inside and out, and carry this off with a bit of class as well.
All of which are lacking, so if the ultiamte goal IS the above,….. I hope she has a decent day job that she has not quit yet. (Although I am sure the name-on-your-shirt fast food chain would hire her back– and if not the one next door to it would….)
February 27th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
what an ignorant, clueless, narrow minded girl to make such comments- though Arabs aren’t my favorite bred I have incredible respect for them - I’ve assisted on numerous endurance rides and I am amazed at their stamina of the bred -
February 27th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
MrsMom - I think there’s definitely some validity to your theory. I don’t read the other blog in question either. While she does back her opinions up with a solid knowledge base, I just don’t enjoy the negativity and cruelty. The only people you ever reach in writing like that are the ones who already agree with you. Expressing yourself with dignity and class will be a whole lot more effective every time.
Callie - I’d have to agree. I think I feel most sorry for her horses; it’s not likely they’re getting the love and respect they deserve either.
Amlovelee - thanks for stopping by. I don’t want to give her any extra attention. There is a lot to be said for negative attention on the internet as how you handle it can significantly affect your reputation. I don’t think she would help hers. But I didn’t really want to give anybody from our decent horse blog community the avenue to get into with this writer, I know it’s not going to change her.
20metercircleoflife - and Arab and dressage? How could you?
I’m surprised we don’t see more Arabians in the dressage ring. They’re not as tall, but they have the shorter build and natural high carriage prized in dressage horses.
OneCowgirl - glad to meet another non-Arab person who still respects them. Like any breed, they have both strengths and weaknesses. So often we focus on the weakness when we don’t understand something instead of learning the strengths.
February 28th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
as a member of the AQHA since I was 13 yo, I am ashamed of her comments.
I LOVE all horses, Arabs included. One season I had the pleasure of showing a grey beauty named Ozzy right along w/ my AQHA Scooter. Ozzy is 100% Arabian, 15 HH and 1200. Ive always been a big girl, 5′4 200lbs. Ozzy and I looked damn good together.
One of my friends has an endurance horse that is 3/4 Arabian and they can beat the snot out of most of the horse people I know.
This is sad, sad. We horse-lovers need to unite and conquer this negativeness.
My horse is AQHA grandson of Two-Eyed Jack, son of Baron’s Bell. He just turned 29 yo, Ive owned him 22 years. Im currently looking for another trail horse, if the right horse comes along and it is an arabian, oh well! then Ill be arab owner.
February 29th, 2008 at 11:39 am
[...] been a lot of talk going around in the horse blogs regarding another new blogger who is severely trash talking equine breeds and disciplines outside her own experience and preferences. She shows little knowledge and a lot of cruelty in the [...]
March 2nd, 2008 at 1:18 am
Really excellent post. I touched on some of these same issues recently and I have to say that nothing says “rider” rather than “horsewoman” like a closed mind and an arrogant attitude.
March 2nd, 2008 at 5:58 pm
[...] Regarding Horses - Real Horsemen and Women [...]
June 2nd, 2008 at 10:13 pm
Wow - what a woman - she’s above us all - AND God! She can just state her opinion of Gods people and Gods creatures - soooooo sooooooo sad - and you know whats even saddler???? Shes not alone.