So It's Magic That Works

http://medford.craigslist.org/grd/1337302942.html

At first, I was going to be snorky and have some fun with this ad...however, upon reflection, I can see another side of this.

After sitting back and watching the horse-owning crowd for the past few years, I'm truly kind of appalled at what has emerged AS the local horse rider/owner. Well, appalled might be too strong a word but close to it.

Remember when I wrote a little while back about the author of an article who took a whole freakin' page to explain to people why and how you shouldn't let your horse physically push you around?? In the real world, a short paragraph would do but in the alternative universe, you now need a whole page because people might not be 'comfortable' with disciplining their horse.

Still, I'm bothered when anyone says that your connection with a horse is 'magical' or 'mythical' or whatever. It's not. A horse is a real creature that is hard-wired to defend itself by fleeing or fighting back. It's up to the rider to learn to read their horse and then put that info to good use. There isn't any big mystery to owning or riding a horse.

Sure, getting out on the prairie and looking at a thunderstorm in the distance will take your breath away but it's not magical. It's real life.

However, as I stated above, after watching and reading all about how a horse elevates us to heretofor unknown bliss, someone DOES need to step in and get these types to be safe around a horse. If it takes talking to them like you're from Magical Land to show them how to be safe, then by all means, I 'think' I'm for it. Later on, after the rider has had a few wake-up calls dealing with the reality of a horse that just doesn't WANT to cross the water and wants a good tiff, then they may seek out a real grounded trainer/instructor for help...or sell the horse because the Magic was gone and find another better suited horse.

It makes my teeth itch to state such things but, honestly, someone needs to be in the niche of (mainly) middle-aged newbie riders who've only watched RFD-TV and think that riding is soooo EASY. All ya need is 'the Magic'.

*sigh*