07/13/2025
Let’s just say it out loud: the horse world has a gatekeeping problem.
If you do things your way, you’re “doing it wrong.”
If you charge for your time, knowledge, or experience, you’re “only in it for the money.”
Feed alfalfa? People say you’re asking for colic.
Feed coastal? You’re starving them.
Barefoot? You’re irresponsible.
Shoes? You’re cruel.
The reality is this: too many horse people are more interested in judging each other than helping each other.
We all say we love horses, but sometimes we forget to show that same love to the people who are out here doing their best to care for them.
There is more than one right way to raise, train, ride, feed, and manage horses.
Some horses live in pastures.
Some live in stalls.
Some get regular bodywork and chiropractic.
Some get turnout and a salt lick.
Some horses trail ride barefoot and happy.
Others are shod, clipped, and compete at high levels.
They are all valid. They are all deserving of good care.
And so are the people who love them.
Let’s normalize asking questions instead of shaming people for doing things differently.
Let’s support the quiet, hardworking horse owners instead of criticizing them behind their backs.
Let’s stop assuming “our way” is the only way.
Because at the end of the day, horses don’t care about your Facebook opinion.
They care about consistent hands, kind treatment, good feed, and someone who shows up.
Train your horse. Ride your horse. Love your horse.
And let other people do the same.
The goal is better horses — not bigger egos.
