My Mission
I’ve often heard that one should find their mission in life to truly make a difference in the world. For a long time, I struggled to identify mine. During my youth and much of my adult life, my focus was simply on surviving – putting food on the table and later ensuring my children had what they needed. However, one thing was always clear: I wasn’t going to settle for a conventional 9-to-4 job, sitting in traffic to and from work. Instead, I carved out a path for myself working with horses, something I’ve always been passionate about.
But loving your work isn’t necessarily the same as having a mission. My true mission revealed itself a few years ago when I started helping anxious riders and launched a podcast. The podcast’s purpose was to interview people who had done something meaningful for horses and, in doing so, share their stories to inspire and educate others.
Empathy for the horse has always been my driving force
Over the years, I’ve made my share of mistakes in handling horses, but I’ve always approached them with empathy and a deep desire to give them the best life possible. Even as a child, I couldn’t watch Western movies without feeling upset about how the horses were treated. I noticed the riders’ harsh hands yanking on their horses’ mouths with curb bits, the relentless spurring, and the galloping chaos. The worst part for me was when the horses “died” and fell on screen—I couldn’t stop thinking about the injuries they must have sustained during those stunts.
As I grew older, I began questioning many of the practices deemed “normal” in the horse world. I often wondered if having a bit in a horse’s mouth could truly be comfortable—perhaps because I’m so sensitive about my own teeth. I’ve always been skeptical of spurs, only using them for competitions because I had no choice at the time. My philosophy has always been to build a relationship with the horse using as few tools and aids as possible. I remember how people would admire me for riding my stallion with nothing but a halter, but for me, it just felt natural.
Curiosity led me to the podcast
When I started my podcast, it was driven by curiosity. I wanted to learn how people around the world cared for and worked with their horses. The world is vast, and the differences in equine management are enormous. Somehow, I managed to find individuals who were making a positive difference for horses, and this quickly became the central theme of my episodes.
Eventually, I had the idea to create debate forums where different voices could come together to discuss their perspectives. It’s been amazing to see equine welfare topics gain traction and how more people are beginning to prioritize the horse’s well-being over competition results. I welcome this change wholeheartedly because it’s so desperately needed. We must rethink the traditions that start in riding schools and teach people to see horses not as tools but as individuals that deserve to be heard and understood.
My mission today
Today, my mission is to shine a light on those who dare to think differently and prioritize the horse’s well-being above all else. I dream of a time when what is considered “alternative” today becomes the new “normal,” and when those of us who have stopped competing due to misuse of equipment, stress, and improper judgment of horses are no longer dismissed as “soft” but respected as people who love their horses and refuse to subject them to anything they don’t willingly participate in.
I hope we’re on the brink of a change similar to what we’ve seen in dog training, where harsh methods have been replaced by kinder, more respectful approaches. Being kind doesn’t mean being weak. And if there’s one thing I’m not, it’s weak.
I look forward with hope to better times for our horses. If you’re curious to learn more, tune into my debate forum this Wednesday. You’ll meet knowledgeable horse people, researchers, and riders who prove that incredible partnerships with horses can be built—without force or harsh tools.
