This post stems from a Horsewrite daily leg up word of the day. Commitment gave me a lot to think about. Everyone always says when you get your first horse (or any animal) they are a big commitment. And that is true. First, let us define the word “commitment”. Merriam-Webster defines it as “an agreement or pledge to do something in the future”. Now, it is up to every human to decide the depth and strength of this agreement. For me it was EVERYTHING.
If you have read this blog long enough, you know by now, it had been my life’s dream since I was the wee-est of lasses to have a big thoroughbred racehorse of my own. So once I got it, I held as TIGHTLY as I could do it (and still do). To the point where I have sacrificed quite a bit for this kid. Now commitment does not always me sacrifice, but for me, commitment to my equine partner has been synonymous with sacrifice. I have sacrificed a room over my head, financial stability and comfortability and untold hours of sleep.
In my Instagram post of this word, I also talked about how commitment to you horse meant committing to being a better horseperson. That means sacrificing your goals and aspirations that you have for you (and your horse) for their better well-being. Another thing commitment to my horse has taught me is to swallow my pride. I can’t tell you how many lessons I have learned when I thought I knew better or how many mouthfuls (or pantfuls) of dirt I have gotten. Humility is something granted with a commitment to these amazing animals.
Really at this point this has just kind of turned into a word vomit about what really comes to my mind when I think of the commitment to my horses. I hope it gives any of my readers food for thought.
Happy contemplation.
A