The other night some friends and I got on the topic of horses. Imagine that! And, after a couple of glasses of wine our conversation grew quite philosophical. We all agreed that without horses, we wouldn't be where we are today as a civilization and culture. The advancements that our equine partners have provided us with are in many ways a miracle and they are the footing (no pun intended) for thousands of major historical events. Wars have been waged on horseback, transportation for centuries was done via the horse which brought us mail which allowed us to communicate, helped us trade and wage in commodities--and on and on. Thinking about this gave me an idea!
I'd like to try something new on the blog as a weekly article and hope our readers will participate. I think it's important to chronicle the history of the horse and I believe that because of the fact that they are so much of the reason as to who we are as a society today--whether you have horses or don't have them, whether you adore them or can't stand them--the fact remains that this is true. So, I'm hoping you will help me--if you have a historical tidbit about a specific horse who helped shape our future or a group of horses (say in battle or via The Pony Express) e-mail me at Michele@ProfChoice.com and I will put a little time and effort into researching history and post about it. Anyone who comments with a story or tidbit will become eligible to win a Professional's Choice product in what I am calling the ProfChoice.blogspot monthly drawing!
The value of the horse is, well, invaluable. That's why our philosophy here at Professional's Choice is all about making the horse's life more comfortable, their careers lasting longer, and their lives easier. It is truly about the horse and giving back to him. If we were to take our focus off of that fact, we would be just another company making products that might make us money because they sell, but wouldn't achieve what we strive to do everyday be it in developing new products, improving core products, researching and turning that research into data to see if our theories work. It's why we have studies that back up the fact that our Sports Medicine Boots absorb on average 26 % of negative hoof concussion.
Bottom line--it is about the horse. It has to be. look at all they've done for us.
Now get out your history books and send me your stories!
Cheers,
Michele Scott
Professional's Choice
Vice President
Michele@ProfChoice.com
You mentioned we wouldn't be where we are as a civilization without the horse and truer words have not been written!
ReplyDeleteToday's technology let's ideas be shared in seconds. But in the days when we depended on the horse for travel,messages and people were carried on the backs of trusty steeds that carried new ideas and communications.Both words of peasants,kings and missionaries and maneuvers of soldiers and martyrs were all dependent on the legs,hearts and souls of their equine counterparts!
On a personal level,I know without a doubt that I would not have had the opportunity to meet and ride with amazing people if it weren't for a long relationship I have had with a very special gelding that I have had for 20 years now! He's carried me on some fun rides and has been the quiet confidant for many years!He's taught me more things than most people will ever know and for that I am humbled and grateful!
Love the philosophy! Its easy to lose site of our true passion when getting muddied down with the ups and downs of "horse business". The bottom line is that horse people have a little extra something special in their heart and we shouldn't forget it :)
ReplyDeleteI wish more people had this philosophy!
ReplyDeletePeople get too caught up in competition..
With all that goes on in today world, I have my horses to thank for keeping me sane ;). If it wasnt for them, I wouldnt be able to go out & enjoy their company on nice trail ride, whether it is just around the pasture, down the road or on sactioned rides. My 'girls' & "Poppy"(my stud) keep me at ease & grounded. When we travel, their needs are first, when we set up at a show or ride, I get them situated in before i even begin on myself, the list goes on. And with not being able to carry full term myself, I treat my horses & their accomplishments as if they are children, heck, they are my children :). Jessica W said it good herself, 'Horse people have a little extra something special in their heart' & that is true, every time you go to the barn & see tht special kiddo peaking at you from the stall, you do know you have something special.
ReplyDeleteOh and thank goodness for your products, my 6 yr old crippled appy mare also thanks you for your knee boots. They give her more support with her bad front knees when she goes out to pasture ;-)
I did a research paper in high school about the history of the American Paint Horse Association. I found it interesting that humans weren't only prejudice towards other humans, but to animals too. I learned that it was a great struggle for the association to become one. Even Quarter Horses born with "too much white" or known now as undesriable traits weren't accepted. In modern day bloodlines MANY Paints and Quarter Horses are of a lot of the same bloodlines, just some have white and others don't. The dislike towards "spotted horses" including Appaloosaas helped shaped the image of Native Americans riding the blue eyed paints and leopard Appaloosas because the Native Americans got the horses that no one else wanted. The people behind creating the Paint Horse Association tried to do the American Paint Quarter Horse Association but it didnt work out. I just think that the people that supported spotted horses was a huge impact in history, it indirectly helped show that different isnt always wrong and that spotted horses doesnt mean spots on the brain. Its OK to be different and never judge a book by its cover.
ReplyDeleteNichole Kunze
First of all excuse my writing, english isn't my strongest side, but hope you understand the major content;)
ReplyDeleteI totally agree the philosophy you have come up with! These goodwilling creatures have carried us both literally and methaphoric for centuries...
We demand things from them, and they never demand anything in return. But from my point of view, we really DO!
We have to treat them with respect, tender, love and care. And I really feel embarrased about humans when I see neglected animals.
The feeling of luck and gratitude when beeing among my 5 year old mare and her yearling is undescribable. And I wish that lots of more people could have that opportunity to feel it the same way by having the chance to be around these fantastic creatures called H O R S E S :)
We owe to love and care for them !
on my parent's computer i have a twenty page paper for a college history class on the horse in war. it was a collection of stories and myths involving the horse and how he shaped the history of the world. he became a valuable asset and later was a downfall. i am very proud of that paper, and the fact that i received an A on it too. now today, my own horses is changing my own history. he inspires me to be a better person, and to be kind and gentle and think about what i am doing. he's a great teacher, and a good friend. something i think most people would agree is true.
ReplyDeleteamy lynn
bulldog_in_boots@yahoo.com
I love all of the comments. I feel amongst kindred souls here. Keep your stories coming!
ReplyDeleteI highly recommend the book, "Guns, Germs and Steel", by Jared Diamond. He discusses the differences in cultural advances around the world related to, not only the title subjects, but domestic animals as well. Of course, horses are a large piece of that puzzle.
ReplyDelete