It’s The Little Things

BY ANNIE BIRMINGHAM

In the fast paced life of any equestrian, it’s sometimes easy to miss the little things that make the opportunity of being around horses so enjoyable. Here’s what makes us smile… sometimes, it’s the little things!

Your horse’s reaction after being given a treat:
Sometimes it’s begging for more, sometimes it’s a funny face… either way, it’s adorable and bound to make anyone smile!

Horses that stand still while mounting up:
Just makes a relaxing hack that much more enjoyable! While you may not always recognize how convenient it is to have a horse that stands still while mounting up, it’s a small detail that makes spending your time with your horse that much more enjoyable.

When your horse rests his head on you:
Those quiet moments back at the barn or up at the ring with sleepy ponies… if that doesn’t warm your heart, I don’t know what will!

Lainie Rubin and her pony Luck Dragon sharing a moment. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Rubin.

Square knees and forward ears:
Ok, not the reason we do this… but the perfectly timed show photo, where your horse has square knees and his ears pitched forward, always seems to have a way of bringing a smile to your face!

Bugsy Malone, ridden by Giavanna Rinaldi, showing off his square knees and fancy expression. Photo courtesy of Ashley Shaw.

When your horse calls to you
Ever walk in the barn, call out your horse’s name, and get a response back? There’s truly no better feeling!

Horses that pick up their hooves for you:
Grooming is known to be a great way to spend time with your horse, and horses that will pick up their hooves for you make it that much easier!

A horse takes in the scenery and shares a moment with his groom up at the ring. Photo courtesy of Emy Lucibello.

Clean white socks:
Chromey horse owners unite! It’s not always easy to keep your horses white spots sparkly clean, but there’s something so satisfactory about watching that light pinkish skin become visible again after a bath.

Quiet early mornings in the barn:
Chilly mornings when the barn is quiet, and you can sit on your trunk outside your horses stall and listen to them munching on their hay… those are the best moments!

It’s sometimes so easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle that we miss the little things that make being an equestrian so enjoyable. While these are just a few of the little things that make me smile, there are hundreds of other opportunities to enjoy the little things at the barn; make sure you don’t miss them!


About the Author: Annie Birmingham is an 18 year old equestrian from Long Island, New York. A freshman at Long Island University studying equine management, Annie can usually be found spending time at the barn and grooming at horse shows up and down the East Coast.

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