It is really wonderful to see the entries that have come in so far and humbling to hear the words of appreciation from these amazing horsewomen for creating the American Horsewoman’s Challenge. Many have thanked me for producing an event that is pushing their training knowledge and helping them discover new and amazing things about their horse—and themselves.
I am often asked, “Why did you create the Challenge? Isn’t it a big risk?” Sure, it’s a big risk and sure it causes some sleepless nights, but for what better cause? In almost 20 years in the equine education business, I have marveled at the dedication, spirit and nurturing nature of the horsewomen in my life and those I have met. True horsemanship and the awareness of the welfare of our equine partners has come not from the guys, but the women who are teaching us all how to truly develop a loving and willing partnership with our horses. For far too long, horsewomen have not been recognized for this amazing contribution.
Recently, before a radio interview, I was asked by the female host, “Do you think you can get enough entrants?” “There’s the rub,” I replied. I asked her to name five well-known male trainer/clinicians she knew and three women. She could quickly rattle off the guys, but had to search her memory to name the women. How pathetic is that when 85 percent of horse owners are women and most are riding and training their own horses? What was sadder was that the host was a horsewoman.
That’s why, almost two years ago, I decided we need a competition to encourage, foster and demonstrate the power of the Horsewomen’s Movement. It is a movement led by strong determined, intelligent women who are carrying the torch for a new awareness and understanding of the horse.
Of course, none of us can do it alone. That was brought home to me so clearly the other day when I saw a picture of wild horses gathered together before an oncoming storm, with a quote from Mark Amend:
Be strong enough to stand alone.
Be yourself enough to stand apart.
But be wise enough to stand together when the time comes.
Well, the time has come to stand with your sister horsewomen.
Here is what you can do:
– Join the Horsewoman’s Challenge Remuda Club
– Share this blog on social media
– Ask your horse feed, tack and equipment suppliers if they are supporting the Challenge
– Say “thank you” to those companies that are stepping up to the plate as sponsors
Thanks to brave and insightful companies such as Tarter Farm & Ranch Equipment and Miller International, makers of Cruel Girl jeans and Cinch apparel, the Horsewomen’s Movement is being recognized and honored by their support of the Challenge. The companies whose products you buy, the magazines you read, the TV networks you watch, and the services you use, need to do the same. They need to be called to task to show their commitment to more than 85 percent of the horse market that honors the equine mind and relationship, not just the male-dominated events that focus on dominance and muscle.
I was speaking with one of the entrants to the Challenge a couple of months ago and she said to me, “You know, I have been part of other competitions where I feel like I am there as the token woman.” She was probably right. She was there to show how great the “gals” are.
Yes, I am a bit passionate, but I am a child who grew up during the seventies Women’s Movement and the brother of four strong, independent sisters and son of a determined mother. So, I encourage you to take a few minutes to honor and support your fellow horsewomen by going to the Facebook pages of companies you patronize, send them an email, or write them a letter and let them know what you support. If you’d like contact information for some potential supporters of the Challenge, just contact us and we’ll send it along.
And please, don’t forget to support your sisters in the Challenge by sending them notes of encouragement, following their blogs, and cheering them on at the Finals. You will soon know who they are.
Let’s make 2014 the Year of the Horse Woman!
Hutch