When you read the Chronicle forum (or really any horse forum), there is a running theme among a lot of the posters.

1. They are primarily women.
2. They often complain about their husband’s not liking the horse/not wanting to pay for the horse/hiding from their husband at the barn/etc.

I consider myself to be very lucky not to be in that 2nd category.  My husband has come a long way with his understanding of my equestrian problem lifestyle.  When we first met, he didn’t understand how horses made me happy because I was sad from having to sell/step down my QH of 7 years and then the next horse I had I ended up hating.  His thought was pretty much why spend so much money to be unhappy?

Then we moved to MA and I didn’t ride much at all for a few years.  One of the carrots dangled to get me to move to Austin was that I could afford a horse again since the cost of living was cheaper.

Once we got here he sat on the horse emotional roller coaster with me.  Finding a good horse.  Losing a good horse. Finding the right horse.  It doesn’t mean that he never questioned this crazy sport, because he has and he will again – but he knew that horses were important to me and that he needed to be understanding.

Now he listens patiently to my monologues about lead changes and distances.  He’s my biggest cheerleader and encourages me to strive to dream bigger than I think I can.  He got a little emotional (don’t tell him I told you!) when I won my first blue ribbon with Simon, and genuinely shares in my triumphs.  Not to mention that without his financial contribution to our household this whole horse ownership thing wouldn’t be a possibility.

He knows what lead is correct, the ideal timing for a trot and jump picture and how to groom my horse for me.  He even tried riding briefly, and took about two months of lessons before he said, “This shit is too fucking hard.”  (Yes, yes it is)

I’m going on and on about my horse husband, because today marks our 3rd wedding anniversary.  All in all, I’ve been with him almost 7 years… as long as I had my old QH Elvis, but I don’t think I’ll need to retire Tim anytime soon 🙂

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