Life seems to teach us little lessons, and this year, I, as always, learned the hard way. I learned that when you stand up for something you strongly believe in, that you were taught at a young age is wrong and confront then demand changes, others will make your life a living hell. You either hold your head up, meet them eye to eye and deep down know you did nothing wrong, or you tuck tail and run...me, I dug my heels in and squared off.
One of the draft clubs we use to belong to, note the use to, in September we watched a gross display of abuse in the show ring by a farm that has draft horses and has been going on for 3 years now. Before you wonder why we let this go on for 3 years, let me explain that we did attempt to do something. Each time we were met with silence, a curt word, told to shut up, told it was none of our business, that it was their animals and that is how they do things in Virginia. A person can do what they want, when they want, and how they want on their own property apparently here, and if you push, are told that in the draft world, what they did was being "heavy handed". Long story short, we filed a complaint, several others gave us their complaint, we have a dvd of 3 years worth and yet, it was shoved under the rug and the association they are members off also politely told me nothing they could do. Abuse is let to happen and people are too afraid or worried about what will be said, how they will be treated, and what others will think of them. I know, I was made out to be a bitter, novice, ignorant, horsewoman who people took great relish in tarnishing my good name, as well as my farm. Keep talking, I have proof if anyone wants to man up and see it...maybe people are cowards and won't confront what they know is wrong...it's easier that way, ignorance is bliss. And I am also done with state email lists that have a list owner who is as much a coward as those people on that list who go after others for speaking the truth and doesn't let them let others know of the abuse. They also let the abuser be touted as the best farrier for draft horses when she knows what type of person he really is....I am SO done with them as well.
I have also learned that I am not alone though in my quest to do right by our equine friends. There are good people out there who care and who are not afraid to shout it from the roof tops that it is wrong.
I have learned that with a firm hand on the lines, love, and asking them to do it, Trixie and Smoke are a good honest team. They are honest in their work ethic, ears forward, a spring in their step, the grin on my face tells the story of how much I love these two girls. This year I drove them for the first time as a team, after only having a whole day of driving a team, then every class I went in I placed 2nd with them consistently. I don't mean to brag, just very pleased that I look that good as it isn't me, sure I have skill but it is The Girls who do the hard work. Look out this year, if we don't place over those who think I can't do it, I am certainly going to give you a run for your money and your going to work to get that placing!!
Disclaimer: These are MY opinions and my thoughts, anything that anyone may know or think is on them. I AM entitled to my own thoughts.....
