The Pursuit of Excellence

Several things I have read on the internet this morning put me in mind of the never ending pursuit of excellence. I see it in Amateur Owner Trainers everywhere. Congratulations Lynn in your continued success in your pursuit of excellence. The other posts that put me in mind of this are Liz's careful search for just the right wormer to start her new horse on, Julie's dedication to learning the many mysteries of the long and formal traditions of side saddle. Leah and Tiffani are also at the beginnings of new horses. I am expecting a new foal in two months... oh the pressure!

This week someone on COTH suggested that you have to be a little OCD to be a horse person. Well, we all know plenty of people who don't give a hoot about the care or well being of their animals, but I guess none of them are scouring the internet hours a day trying to grasp more of the vast pool of knowledge that is out there. They probably aren't the ones feeding hot beet pulp, and Dumor horse treats by the gallon, call equine chiropractors or dentists and lose sleep over bitting and shoeing. Heck, I toted a whole bag of art supplies to the barn in sub zero weather just trying to get the best wither tracing of my horse, and I guarantee that I would not be hauling my widening butt to the gym and pilates if I weren't worried about my riding.

So, here's to the continued pursuit of excellence. May all our horses appreciate the fussing, and heaven forbid they tell us they would rather be barefoot, unclipped and muddy, standing in the pasture. Seriously, I doubt they would!