If you are not an equestrian, it is difficult to convey the deep fiery passion that horses inspire. Ok, I must be honest with myself - its more then just a fiery passion- its down right out of your mind craziness to be a horse owner. Whether its paying a vet bill that cost more then the horse did, driving out in a severe snowstorm to blanket them because you " just won't be able to sleep at night" if you don't, or trying to explain to your non-horsey friend the importance of cleaning your gelding's sheath: Equestrian life can be pretty absurd. I came to this realization once again this weekend when explaining to a room of dropped jaws at a party how I managed to cut my finger open, sprain my wrist, puncture my knee and develop a limp all in one afternoon. These days the phrase "well it started with this new young horse I'm working..." has become all too common to explain my afflictions. To the average onlooker it would almost seem these actions to be one of a reckless death-wisher instead of an impassioned 'pet' owner. After being flung head first into a wall this weekend though, I concluded that its the motivation to just get back on the horse (despite the fact that your head is throbbing and your leg is numb) that truly sets the equestrian apart.
