outoftheboxstall
If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change-Wayne Dyer
Good Golf Courses Can Make Great Pastures
I woke up thinking about the horse industry, which is what I do every day, but this morning was different. I was thinking about all of it…not just a certain breed or discipline, the entire thing. And there is so much more than what we might see in our own corner.
Lately, I’ve seen several posts on various platforms complaining about a range of things. One particular association had changed their registry requirements, (probably in an attempt to stay afloat), and another was trying to lure their members away (that won’t help). Another group has personality conflicts a mile wide and split into two smaller groups (that will each have a hard time staying afloat). And as always, someone complained about animal treatment, the cost of horses and horse shows, and lack of skill at the introductory levels, and someone else complained about the complainer.
If you were just getting started, you’d look at this and understand why folks might choose golf and video games.
But here’s the thing. Despite the fact that in the past 10 years, we’ve seen a decline in U.S. horse numbers from 9 million to 6 million, there are still people out there who are fascinated with horses and want to know more and maybe even do more in the long run. I see them every day, because it’s my job to get them interested in and excited about horses.
There are activities and ways to get involved in the horse industry at every level and price point. THAT is what we need to focus on if we want future generations to have the same passion and excitement we did. Rather than complain about the cost of showing and running down a specific organization, pick a different show and use the pricey ones as a goal to reach for. Or don’t. But there’s no point in shaming them for trying to stay in a business they love.
We as an industry will not thrive if we continue to constantly compete with each other. Only if we connect and partner and work together regardless of level, breed or discipline. And it’s in everyone’s best interest.
Yes, the horse industry is about horses. But more than that it’s about people. Socializing, shopping, sharing ideas and educating. People who work hard every day to provide horse experiences in all sorts of ways, large and small. If we have constructive criticism, fine. We have channels for addressing that behind the scenes.
Unless we can start working together, and highlighting our successes and those of others,we may all need to work on our golf game soon. And in my mind that’s a waste of good pasture.😉
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outoftheboxstall 
many of us with a history with horses were nurtured and brought along by someone-or by a few someones. I think we need to invest back into the horse world by doing the same.