Participant Observer

Most history classes teach children about how the Spanish brought horses to America and introduced them to Native Americans. That’s usually the end of the story. What’s not talked about is the Native peoples’ reactions to these beasts of nature. How did they feel about horses? What did they think of them? How did Native people become some of the best riders? How did they tame wild horses? How were horses incorporated into their culture? How much of an impact did horses really have on Native American culture? These are the questions that aren’t answered in textbooks in schools. What I wish to explore is the bond between Native people and their equine companions. I want to explore how their world

Thank you for opening this door to our dream a little wider. We knew we wanted to pool our resources so K. could continue her horse rescue work. The financial means to purchase an adequate piece of property was always the missing piece of our puzzle. This essay contest is an opportunity to grasp that missing piece and bring our dream into the realm of

Welcome to my senior project portfolio. I was to learn about natural horsemanship skills and horse care by Mary Tyler, a volunteer coordinator at Sunrise Horse Rescue, who has dedicated about 11 years of her life to working with horses. It was easy asking Mary to be my mentor because I had volunteered at this rescue twice throughout high school. She would be mentoring me through the “Horsemanship and horse care world” accompanied by the horses that were sanctioned at Sunrise. Mary, having had plenty of horse work experience, took me under her wing and promised to show me as much basic knowledge that I needed to make this project successful.

Lori McCard’s relationship with Hero started long before she saw him in the pasture more than a year ago. For years, Lori had not only trained and competed with Hero, but she had also formed a very special bond with the horse. When Lori’s hectic schedule no longer allowed her enough time to work with Hero, she sold him to a family with children. After several years, he eventually ended up in a pasture without the kind of care and attention he needed. When the family made the tough decision to find a new home for Hero, they remembered how much Lori had loved the horse and the strong bond that had existed between the two. That’s when she got the call. Would she be willing to take him? The decision was easy.

Although, Straight Line was hurt, I refused to give up, I endlessly searched to locate a replacement horse. Thus came Princess, a buckskin mare that I borrowed from an acquaintance of my sisters. My mother and I traveled to Goodland for a little test run and at the end of the day we hauled her home. Thrilled is not a word I would use to describe the idea of running on her, but what choice did I have. I needed a horse, any horse to ride at the finals, since Straight Line was no longer able to run. Princess and my personalities clashed, there is only room for one princess and I already occupied that position. Trust me when I say that typically mares have bigger attitudes, than most teenage girls. Even though, I gave it my best shot, considering my situation, we just could not find a rhythm together. Despite of my efforts, I knew it was going to be a long week as I unsaddled her after the worst practice that I had ever had. Consequently, I remember walking to the barn from the arena and feeling the blood run down my leg from clobbering the barrels. I had bruises, all up and down my legs, from plowing into barrels during our one and only practice. Finals were approaching fast and I could

When I ride, I feel free, confident, and happy. I would ride almost every day, I enjoyed the sweat horse smell. I could not get enough of it. I would go home and tell my parents how much I loved riding. I told them how much I loved Lucie and how I wish I could be with her twenty four seven. I would even ask my parents repeatedly to skip school and go riding because I learned so much from my horse. Lucie became my best friend, not one person on Earth could compare to her. There is a saying “ horses aren't my whole life… they make my life whole.” The quote could not fit how I feel about horses any

Many young kids dream to own a horse, but for the majority owning a horse is too large of a responsibility and commitment for parents to handle. In my case however, my animal loving parents were eager to support my interest in horseback riding. They arranged lessons and eventually I inherited my very own hand-me-down horse from my sister. I was on that horses back every summer day and jumped on every opportunity I had to ride. As I grew older, my love for horses did not seem to fade, but the commitment grew larger and larger. My first pony turned into a much more demanding and expensive horse, and my once a year local county fair competition appearance, turned into a competition almost every weekend from early June to early September. Even though the constant preparation, competing, and responsibility were tiring at times, it could never diminish the experience that I gained from riding horses. Forming a bond and learning the art of getting a 1,200 pound, independently thinking animal to cooperate with you, are

Anna did not get the chance to see the great impact her story made. Eyes started opening to the harsh lives horses were forced to live. With her descriptive language she showed her audience what it would be like to walk in the horse’s metal shoes. The people who read the book Black Beauty “began to treat horses with kindness and understanding” (2). Not long after its publication docking short ears and tails would lessen or disappear as did the checkreins. Although it took Anna Sewell seven long years to complete Black Beauty, her life’s passion for horses and her hard work she was able to make the difference she desired. As a grieving mother at her daughter’s funeral Mary noticed some of the horse’s had checkreins, knowing how much Anna disliked it in mind; she ordered them to be removed

This book helped me recognize the remarkable qualities that horses have. Additionally, the book shows that through, the relationship between horses and humans, it creates kindness, honesty, and patience among others. Everyone needs such traits to have healthy relationships with others. Also, since horses do not lie and do not have egos as humans do, they are the greatest teacher that a person can ever have to aid them in overcoming their various difficulties and situations.

Since I was a kid, I love horses. Every time I could get the chance to groom the horses or feed or ride, I would take it. Over the years, I’ve learned not how scary or threatening they may seem, but how noble and therapeutic they really are.

However, when I introduced the topic of horseback riding in conversation as a child, both peers and adults conveyed horseback riding to be a waste of time and an undemanding and inferior pursuit. I deemed it necessary to conceal this passion after observing insults and unkind judgements directed towards another girl in my grade who shamelessly advertised her love of horses. It became exhausting to justify myself to people who repeatedly asked why I practice riding if I “just sit there.” I learned to refrain from introducing the topic, if I was to justify to others that I participated in worthwhile activities. While my bedroom exhibited copious numbers of horse drawings, horse figurines, and even a wall decal, I strictly avoided showing anything to my peers that characterized a fascination with horses.

Horses. The word itself astonishes me. Just by hugging a horse one can sense its warmth. Is it the soft gentle coat, like that of a silk blanket, or the love that encompasses through them that transmits the sensation of “warmth?” Horses can be as loving as a mother and as stubborn as a kid. Having to cope with them and develop a partnership with them is an indescribable experience. It wasn’t until recent years that I experienced the great love these animals can transmit. Throughout my childhood, I would see my classmates play sports and have wonderful talents that I wish I had. I remember getting mad at my parents for never involving me in any activities. Strangely, the only thing I know, and am thankful for today, is that I was born with an obsession over horses.

I grew up on my family’s century dairy farm. However, I only knew it after it become a retired dairy, but my family quickly replaced the cows with horses, beef cattle, chickens, cats, and two dogs. Growing up I knew I was a lucky kid to have my own pony and eventually a horse. I able to show in 4-H, at both the local and state level, I was also able to see a different side of agriculture that few people have the privilege of witnessing. The equine and equestrian industry is truly a blessing to have grown up in and is one of my favorite parts of the agriculture industry. I was six years old when I swore that I would never become a veterinary. I made this promise to myself after watching our local veterinary check to see if a cow was pregnant.

Since I was five, I have had a passion for horses and interacting with them. When I was younger, my parents gave me an array of dolls and horse figurines to entertain myself. I always used to ignore the dolls and play with horse figurines. Luckily, my older sister loved dolls so she just sneakily stole the dolls away from me one by one while I played with my horse figurines for hours. I have always admired the strength, beauty and power of horses. My interest in horses has caused me to search through websites and books for new ways to connect with them and finally after hours of searching; I finally found my calling.

Horsemanship is more than teaching a horse how to behave. As Sylvia Scott stated in her article on Natural Horsemanship, “Natural Horsemanship, sometimes referred to as ‘Horse Whispering,’ really has nothing to do with literal whispering.…” Communicating with the horse through the use of your body language, such as your eyes, the placement of your body, the tone in your voice, pressure you apply, the amount of release you give, the tools you use, and how you listen to a horse are all factors in horsemanship. At first I wanted to learn how to properly ride a horse, but having had previous experience riding them as a kid, I wanted to take it beyond that. With the help of Sunrise Horse Rescue’s Mary Taylor, my senior project would not only provide