Are you a good stable mate?
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room and turn to those who share a stable with others! Of course, you believe you are! It’s rarely intentional to be unkind to others, but sometimes it happens, even if unintended. I’ve seen many times on Facebook that people find it challenging to enjoy the stable environment due to the comments directed at them. Is it the stable mates being unkind, or are you perhaps sensitive?
Nothing can be more infuriating than when your child, dog, or horse is criticized, and naturally, you feel offended when you’re doing your best for everyone to be well. But then comes the big question… who is right? Who takes care of their horse optimally? Who says that what you’re doing is the only right way?
I often say that one should take a closer look at the horse’s needs. Perhaps it’s not the horse’s need to have the latest saddle pad or blanket. What I hear most about is feeding or the horse’s exercise/riding routine. It’s a topic that can be discussed for weeks! Who is right?
How do you eat at home? Are you following the right diet plan there? Who decides how the horse should be ridden and how much?
If we stick to the subject, maybe you think you know better than your stable mate (even if you’re a new horse owner and the person you criticize has had a horse for 20 years). Ask the person if they want to talk about it. They may not want to discuss it, or they may have found their way to socialize and care for the horse. Is the horse in distress? Is it being mistreated?
No one likes to be pushed, so ask first if you can help the person. Talk about their horse and gain insight into why they treat their horse this way. Be careful not to talk behind someone’s back and spread rumors; it could be you who suffers later.
For those who feel affected! Listen to what others say and try to sift through what is worth listening to. Take advice from others but be cautious and only take advice from those who truly have experience and know what should be done. Talk to each other and learn from each other; don’t make it so complicated!
