Horse riding is easy...

'What is so great about horse riding? All you do is sit there.'

Every equestrian has heard this at least once and if you haven't, please tell me your secret! There is a worldwide debate between equestrians and the rest of society. Apparently, when we are on horseback all we do is sit there. No one appreciates the effort that goes into encouraging our horse to perform as they do. All horses, in society's eyes, are schoolmasters, push-button ponies. Call it what you will, it won't change their opinions. Thousands of us equestrians have posted videos on Youtube and pictures on Instagram trying to prove that it is so much more technical and complicated than just sitting there. No one truly understands the fine mechanics of riding.

I know I've tried to prove to someone that horse riding isn't easy by showing them a video on Youtube of 2 girls' lessons at a riding camp they went on. The first girl had an almost flawless ride with her horse performing beautifully and clearing the jumps with style, but the second girl wasn't as lucky. She confused the horse, causing it to muck up it's distances. You could hear the trainer yelling instructions to her every second and I had hoped that to an uneducated person, it would prove that we don't sit there, as there were so many things the girl had to try correct, but society once again, over ruled me, just like what happens to everyone else.

When we post these opinions we have on social media, generally the only people that see them will be other equestrians, no one else would be interested, right? So just maybe, if and when we try to voice our opinions, we should try find a way to broadcast it to a wider audience. Whether it be posting it on Facebook for all our friends to see, or writing a blog that anyone could happen across, it isn't doing anything to help our debate by sharing it with the exclusive group of equestrians in this world.

Until next time,
KaimanawaKim