A Toast To The Mediocre Horse

I opened my mail today to find the February 2011 issue of Horse Illustrated. No, I'm not going to rant about them sending out the February issue when we barely started January, that is for another blog entirely.

Instead what struck me was the likely unintended contrast between the cover story "Warmblood Superstars of the World Equestrian Games" (complete with drool worthy rip out poster of Totilas) and the last page story of "Just George" about a thoroughly unremarkably average horse of heavier mixed breeding with a laid back attitude and determination to just carry on whatever his rider might throw at him.

It struck me after reading both articles how often as horse people we wish we had the money to get the gorgeous blue blooded warmblood. There is nothing inherently anymore wrong with that than all the car lovers who would give their right arms to drive a Ferrari around for a day. The Ferarri like the warmblood might be nice, but in making a long term investment, many of us would be better served by the average sedan.

All of us at one point or another have learned to ride on a horse like George. Those of us who teach know these horses are worth their weight in gold for teaching beginners. A horse who's default speed is 0, and who's entire attitude in life is "Keep Calm and Carry On" may not win any ribbons, and will try our patience at times. But to give a beginner the freedom to ride independently without the danger that would accompany a more responsive or athletic mount is what we value most.

Anyone who has ever worked with a young or otherwise green horse probably spent a lot of time borrowing "Georges" as trailer buddies, trail companions, or turnout supervisors. These mediocre horses are often the dependable ones who will babysit the reckless young kid who wants to be a cowboy and has zero interest in actually learning to ride properly, will show the young show horse that squirrels, trees, and puddles do not eat horses, and still find time to nudge your shoulder as if to say: "the sun is still shining, you're still breathing, so stop worrying already."

So, here's to the Georges of the world. May we always have at least one in our lives at every turn, and may we never forget their boringly reliable contributions.