Before I re-post, I just want to say (and I've said this recently to a member of another forum I frequent) that the horse industry has always seem liked an elite group of privilaged people. I don't mean privilaged as in you have money or that you're a snob, I mean privilaged as in you've had something that I've always wanted and couldn't be apart of. Until I turned 18 I didn't have resources or contact with the horse world. It's always seemed to me like I wasn't good enough to be apart of it and that I never would. But I have an opportunity, an opening, and however futile it may seem I'm taking it.
Posting questions like I did (About supplys I needed, that I didn't understand where to get or how much to spend because I've never used them.) and recieving belittling answers has caused me to reconsider whether I want to be apart of such a negative atmosphere. I don't mean to lump everyone together, because I've met so many wonderful and responsible horse owners, but that's my reaction. I've seen so much negative energy in the online horse world that I hesitate to bring that into my life. I've always found horses to bring me happiness and pleasure, whether in the flesh or daydreaming. Which I will admit to, call me corny. To have someone see me as a threat HURTS.
This is my post. Opinions, advice, suggestions would all be appreciated. If you do not feel I deserve respect, that's fine. I'm always open to a good kick in the ass, but somehow I don't feel this is one of those circumstances where I need it...and I always listen better when it's done for my own good, not to boost an ego.
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So the other day I posted to a livejournal community asking about equipment I would need for school. Since I've only ever done backyard riding with friends and while working at an equestrian camp last summer I never needed breeches, expensive riding boots or any tack. When I was younger I was always interested in equine but I didn't think there was that much information out there. I read books and watched whatever I could find on t.v. (Such as Modern Marvels) but I wasn't directly involved so it sat in the back of my mind for years.
Last February I was planning on going to school to study welding, but came across Equine Science in my search. I was shocked and thrilled that there was a degree and come to find out, so much information on the internet. I was more preoccupied with the abuse my mother was putting me through then finding out about horses, and apparently that's my fault.
So this post was about the tack and clothing I needed. I didn't know where to find it or how much to spend. So what I got was "This community cares deeply about horses and the horse business and we don't want or need a naif who flippantly claims she doesn't "need" to know about the equipment while also claiming you've thought about this and, presumably, researched it for "the past year and a half".
To make things clear, I did a lot fo research on conformation, riding and horse care then equipment. I can tie a knot, groom and saddle a horse without assistance. Just like I can lead, back, and ride at a very basic level. I've also been reading up a lot on slaughter and abuse. As for the need to know comment, I didn't need to know at that point in time, nor did It cross my mind. Nor was in that context.
"any douchebag can get into marketing, history, or art without any background. Go wild with that -- your success or failure is your own. But horses are helpless, domesticated animals that happen to capture the fascination of almost every little girl at some point. Everyone has "always loved horses" but very few people can actually take care of them (physically, financially, and mentally). In order to be successful in this field, you have to be and do all of those things -- AND, you have to convince other horse people, like us, that you're thoughtful and conscientious."
I find it irritating that someone would assume I would put anyone, whether it be animal or a humans, life in danger. The whole point of my going to college is to gain knowledge on the subject before diving in and getting myself into a mess. I've seen so many people buy a horse because it's so cute and cuddly and end up with a terror on their hands, or a dead horse. To be ignorant and dive in, that would make me wrong. To seek knowledge in a secure environment, I think that makes me a lot more mature then most.
As for being financially secure, I've made it a point to wait to purchase a horse until I can afford everything the animal will need, including emergency vet bills which could be astronomical. I know that I should have a back up boarding stable that can take the horse encase the animal should be moved on short notice, and I wont purchase until I have a trailer of my own. As for how long that takes, it could be a decade, two, three, but that's how it is. I'm a 19 year old, not a 30-40 year old with some stability.
And the convincing bit, I have NO ONE to answer to unless I'm doing something wrong that hurts the animal or myself. I've always made it a point to listen to other peoples opinions and consider them, but at the end of the day it's not whether I've earned your respect or not that's going to help me sleep. It's comfort knowing that I did my best and will continue to do my best for myself, my family/friends and whatever animal I choose to take into my life, that will give me ease.
I am extremely insulted that someone would belittle a newcomer who, instead of turning a blind eye and making mistakes, asked a question. That makes me feel like I shouldn't request help in the future and that I'm not welcome to pursue my goal to become a large animal veterinarian. It does make me happy that someone cares enough about the welfare of their animals to fiercely protect them from people who may cause them harm, but I think it was poorly directed.
So am I right or wrong? Should I go to school in the fall? I probably will, and if I fail then it wasn't meant to be, oh well. That's life, we live and we learn. I just don't think the internet should be so cruel and so quick to label someone as a "naif" or a "douchbag"
