So at school and probably anywhere I go I'm labeled the "crazy Arabian Horse girl." Which as it turns out to be, might be even worse than being labeled just the "crazy horse girl." But this is a term I'm not ashamed of, I might even be proud of it. I'm standing up for what I believe and have faith in even though others will talk about me behind my back I'm sure.

For me I grew up riding Arabians. When I got to college it was awkward to ride these Thoroughbreds and Warmbloods. All I wanted was my small and dainty Arabs back. Many people see the Arabian Horse as crazy and hot-headed, and while that may be true for some of them it frustrates me that everyone makes this generalization and stereotype. I had the opportunity to see the heart and loyalty firsthand of what these horses can offer to their riders and owners.

I started my riding journey on a little bay Arab named Kayti and she was one of the sweetest horses I've ever had the chance to meet. Whenever a child would fall off from learning how to canter she would stop as soon as she realized her passenger wasn't there and would walk over to them and stand quietly. We liked to think it was her way of asking, "are you alright?" The tiniest child could lead Kayti from her stall to the grooming stalls and never get their feet stepped on once. She would patiently wait while small hands groomed the only places they could reach and take treats with the gentlest of nibbles. And she wasn't the only Arabian Horse my barn had like this. There was Molly, Irene, Taffy, Armani, Micha. The list could go on and never end.

Don't get me wrong I did also have my fair share of Arabians that were "high strung." There were the ones that were finicky, that would buck and take off around the arena. But these horses had just as much to teach me as the quiet ones. They taught me how to have soft hands, how to ride with my seat, and most importantly how to sit. They taught me instead of to cry while a horse is bucking and acting up to instead laugh, control it, and say, "did you get that on camera?" Yes, they might not have been perfect but what breed has all horses that are?

I caught the horse bug even more travelling to shows, and as I was exposed to more and more of this fabulous and unknown world I saw all the Arabian Horse could do. People say the Quarter Horse is the all-around horse but they haven't experienced the Arabian Horse like I have. They can jump, work cattle, do reining, hunter pleasure, western pleasure, saddleseat, native costume. Just to name a few. We have halter classes, trail classes, driving classes, distance trail competitions. They can do all this not with their "craziness" but with their heart.

Even though I may not be super involved in the Arabian Horse Community now I will never step my foot out of this world. It has captivated me and taken my passion to levels I never thought it could. That is why I hope to one day to somehow to help the breed grow. Whether it be by breeding, competing, or just inspire one kid to ride I will not stop until this amazing breed gets the recognition it deserves.