06/20/2024
Horse first.
I hear this all the time but often times I see that action does not follow those words.
Can we talk about what horse first really means? This might stir the pot but let’s be honest. Horse first is not only an outlook, it’s a way of life.
Horse first means they eat before you do.
Horse first means you are willing to get proper dental, vet and feed to ensure your horses well-being.
Horse first means putting their wellbeing before your ego.
Horse first means if your horse is sore you take it to someone who can fix it. As well as allowing time to heal instead of thinking “close enough” and running on butte.
Horse first means you care more about the physical and mental wellbeing of your animal more than what that animal can do for you whether that means win you buckles, cheques or advance your career. (Fun fact; the more you care for your horse and put in to them the better they will do for you.)
If your horse isint happy and healthy so you use every bandaid to keep it half sound for your benifit, you are not horse first.
If you aren’t willing to give your horse a break when they need or have more than earned it and wonder why their mind goes, you’re not horse first.
Buying the newest trendy saddle or biggest trailer while your horse’s basic needs aren’t met is not horse first.
Horse first is practicing good animal stewardship and aiming for a sustainable, healthy animal with a lengthy career.
When I first started rodeoing it was a common thing to have horses in their 20s still competing and winning rodeos. Nowadays most people won’t take a second look at a 16+ year old horse. Why? Because so many of these horses are crippled or have lost their mind by the time they are ten.
I know it because I blew my geldings mind and made him as crazy as he was because I didn’t know better and would not learn to be better. The difference now is I’ve learned and have been teachable! I am the first person to admit I am no where close to knowing everything.
Blowing a horse’s mind and then saying performance horses have a hotter temperament is an excuse and gives the equine industry a bad name. One reason your horse is a little cracked in the head comes from feeding it rocket fuel and not putting in the time to work it. I’m talking really taking the time to properly condition and have a good solid ride not just a warm up and put them back in their pen.
Blowing a horse’s mind and sweeping it under the rug because a person can no longer handle the mess they created while they blame the breeder or the trainer or just bad luck shows the deficiency their character.
I see these same people buying another “one to beat” to repeat the same pattern because they have the mindset that horses are replaceable and they can always buy another. This is an example of poor horsemanship.
Horse first is being teachable, humble and willing to grow to better yourself and your horses. Horse first is being flexible and willing to think outside the box to better your riding, training and mindset.
Just like when you go to someone else’s barn you should leave it cleaner than when you found it, you should strive to leave your horse better than when you started with it.
Furthermore; no hoof no horse, no brain no horse, no vet no horse.
If any of this offends you, check yourself!
