31 July 2010

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HORSE Magazine



Reader Rant : Does yard pettiness ruin riding for all of us?

Thursday 17 September 2009

Is it just me or do petty yard politics often get in the way of us enjoying our horses?

I have a toddler and an equally demanding job and going to the stables is supposed to be a chance to de-stress, but I often come home more wound up than when I started!

It seems many horseowners only go the yard to criticise and moan, whether it's about the way other people look after their horses, or the fact that half a section of their hay is missing.

While I certainly don't believe in using people's things without asking, I sometimes want to shout at them: “It's only hay, get a life!”

And if they do have a problem with someone, why don't they speak to them like adults, instead of acting like bitchy schoolgirls?

Unfortunately it is mainly women who are to blame for this petty, back-biting behaviour, because it's mainly women that ride.

I'm not sure if it's just the fact that large groups of women are naturally predisposed to this kind of behaviour, or if it's horsey women per se.

I try to strike a balance and have other interests and friends away from the yard, while it seems the whingers spend every waking moment at the stables.

Maybe it is because they have nothing else in their lives, such as partners, children or a career, and simply have too much time on their hands.

I can't see this kind of behaviour going on in the locker room after a game of football.

Men are much more inclined to say what they think, have it out and then move on.

So come on girls, get on with the riding and stop the whining – you're making life miserable for everyone, including yourselves.


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