If you've ever met a horse person, you probably found out very quickly that they're a little… out there. They always seem to have hay in their hair, and let's not even get started on how everything they own smells vaguely of a barn no matter how many times they wash it. But for those of us who actually are those crazy horse people know that all those "quirks" we have are totally normal when you're among your fellow equestrians. In fact, no matter how many strange looks you get, you wouldn't give up the barn lifestyle for the world.
Horses cost a lot of money and require a lot of work, and many people wonder why anyone would sacrifice so much just for one… or two… or five… animals. But as this incredible horse showed when he had an amazing moment with a boy who has Williams Syndrome, the love we share with our equine friends is well worth anything we have to give up for them. Our horses aren't just our pets; they're our best friends. Not everyone's horse dances with their human like this groovy horse does, but they always manage to find ways to make us smile even on our worst days.
If you have firsthand experience with all the ups and downs of horse ownership, you've probably had to explain some of your "strange" behavior to your non-horsey friends. Maybe they'll understand a bit better if you show them this list! I can't even tell you how many eyebrows I've raised thanks to number 7.
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1. You've sampled more horse treats than you care to admit
Mainly because you want to see if your horse would like them, but also because apple carrot oat muffins sound too tasty to resist.
2. Your hands frequently look like this.
Your horse's itchy spot will always take precedence over your desire for a manicure.
3. The carrots and apples in your fridge aren't for you.
Your horse eats way better than you do anyway.
4. Regardless of what Punxsutawney Phil says, this is how you know when spring is REALLY coming.
The best part is when all that hair starts showing up in unexpected places, such as your bed, your shower, and yes, even your food.
5. You've become completely desensitized to "that smell" in your car everyone complains about.
"What, you mean the dirt, the sweat, the manure, the hay, or the combination of the four?"
6. You spend more money on horseshoes than your own shoes.
For something that's literally nailed into your horse's hoof, you'd think these things would stay on a bit better.
7. Mints tend to show up in the strangest of places.
On the plus side, you're never at risk of being stuck with bad breath.
8. You have serious muscles even if you never go to the gym.
Who needs metal bars and fancy machines when you have hay bales and dirty stalls?
9. This is the first thing you see when you walk through your door.
The weather, your barn plans, and the planetary alignment are just a few factors that determine which pair you'll actually be wearing today.
10. You've used fly spray on yourself before.
Technically, you really shouldn't, but you'll worry about that after the insects stop eating you alive.
11. You consider yourself an expert on dressing for the weather.
Your horse isn't even confused anymore when a you-shaped marshmallow comes to take him out of his stall.
12. You always feel a LITTLE guilty when you ride someone else's horse.
Even though your horse is probably excited to have the day off, you can't help but feel like a traitor.
13. Your daily stack of mail usually looks like this.
"I'll get to the bills after I browse all three tack and supplement catalogs."
14. Your feelings about the weather depend on how comfortable you think your horse feels.
You've lost count of how many times you've ignored weather advisories to make sure your horse was wearing a thick enough blanket.
15. You fear no snot, slobber, or poo.
It's all just part of the fun, really.
16. You've seen more blood than the average horror movie villain.
It's not your fault they actively search for new ways to hurt themselves.
17. Something is always hurting.
"Oh, you think that bruise on my thigh looks like a hoof print? Funny story about that…"
18. All your holiday and birthday presents are horse-related.
It doesn't matter if you asked for it or not. Your family simply had no idea what else to get you.
19. You cluck or kiss at anything that needs to move faster.
Large, slow crowds make you want to carry a crop everywhere you go.
20. You stopped caring what other people think about your lifestyle ages ago.
After all, the only opinion that truly matters is your horse's.
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