Every so often, we come across the horse who is tireless, brave and generous – and who hates to be ridden inside. This horse or pony, so often a mare, is a warrior princess!
If you remember this and give her real, meaningful work with mileage and problem solving – a job description that includes the word “heroine” – you will learn to love and value her.
She is fierce. She has ‘street smarts’. She will never let you down.
Unfortunately, we live in a world where the indoor, push ride reigns supreme. Few amateur show classes require ferocity.
Often a sweet, loving horse on the ground, this one will still be a life force in her twenties – never lazy, ever ready to battle it out. Our outdoorsy, warrior princess needs to be educated, yes. But often, she best learns her broke horse skills on the job, gathering and sorting cattle, climbing mountains, crossing rushing streams. Things that fill other horses with terror do not even turn her head.
Sadly, this gifted, genuine horse is likely to fall through the cracks. Misunderstood from day one, she lives life to the fullest – working hard, playing hard and arguing even harder.
If you have a warrior princess, is it time to change your game?
Whether it’s working cows, barrel racing, cowboy challenge, cross country jumping, rough wilderness trails, endurance – help her find her passion. This is not the horse to practice micromanagement on. Rather, sit back, say thank you – and let her get it done!
In loving memory of Shadow, Cisco, Kananaskis… and all the bravehearts still out there fighting, still hating to be told they’re wrong.
Have you ever known a warrior princess? I’d love you to tell her story in the comments below.
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Country Girl – big, brassy bay mare, undetermined age, with a long trot that told me a lot about her. Arena work was tolerated but ONLY if we could leave the arena, leave the stable and go for long trots up and down the roads following her “lesson”. Rain or shine. Cars did not faze her. Barking dogs were met with flattened ears. I never baby-talked her, she never hurt me. She pretended she didn’t care about me one bit until. . . until . . . she was foaling. I asked her, as she circled and circled, hanging her sweaty head over the stable half-door with each turn, “Do you want me in there with you?” The answer was “YES! And bring that rough towel and rub my head damn it!” Together we birthed Country Tune, a huge bay colt, in a very businesslike manner. She would not tolerate anyone but me around him for weeks. Our respect for each other was great. She was the only mare I ever owned and I will never forget her pride and spirit.
Jill, you’ve hit the nail on the head. Our love of the warrior princess – and hers of us – is one of respect. What an empowering sort of horse! Thanks for sharing Country Girl’s story.
Mine was my late gelding that I had for almost 20 years. He loved going on trail rides and seeing the world. He put up with arena work but always let me know when he had, had enough and needed to explore. Not much ever phased my guy, he was more curious than afraid. We spent our last years together mostly trail riding with a jaunt around the barrels every now and then for fun. Still miss him even though I love my mare.
It’s more of a sense of spirit, than the sex of the horse, isn’t it? When we have one of these souls, we are truly, really blessed. Sometimes, I look back and I remember colossal arguments about loping slower, dialing things back, taking it easier, especially to win in the show ring… And always, my warrior just laughed. Thank you for sharing.
One thing you forgot to mention is the incredible honesty these horses have. Although they have their imperfections and may have attitude, they are the same horse every time wether it’s everyday or once a year. They are who they Are. It doesn’t change. they may have some bad habits, but no dirty tricks. You know what your getting every time you swing a leg over.
Yes, Ashlee, you are right. Generally, if we can siddown, hang on and shuddup, they will keep us out of trouble!