As an observer of the equestrian world, I find immense joy in sharing stories from the horse's mouth. Today, we have an inspiring one straight from the stables of dear old Hovis. This wonderful creature, with a witty sense of humor, shares his experiences and challenges as an unconventional-looking horse aspiring to reach the Olympic podium.
The Unseen Prejudice: Breed Discrimination
Somewhere between the gallops and trots, Hovis discovered an elephant in the room - breed discrimination. This horse of a different color, a ginger-in-the-wrong-light wall of muscle, as he calls himself, believes his unusual good looks are a reason for his exclusion from the Olympic team. He refers to this as "featherism," suggesting that the selectors are biased towards certain breeds homogeneous to Olympic glory.
Standing Out From The Herd
A white tail and mane distinguishing him starkly from the usual brown warmblood types, Hovis feels he's too conspicuous to fit in. Despite his immense skill and attitude, he's under the impression that standardized looks score points over individuality when it comes to equestrian sport.
Season Transitions: A Dreaded Phase
Winter's uninvited extended stay is another obstacle Hovis is tackling. The transition seems to have stretched longer than expected, keeping him from the cherished summer fields, thus creating an equestrian limbo. He humorously mentions that "winter has stayed longer than an unwanted smell in a public toilet".
Psychological Impacts On Equine Friends
The sudden change from cold to warmth is quite disruptive for horses who are, essentially, creatures of habit. This triggers thoughts about the potential emotional strain horses experience during these climatic shifts. It's not just the horses but also the equestrian athletes who endure this challenging time.
Conclusion: A Horse Can Dream
Despite the struggle and disappointments, the spark in Hovis remains undeterred as he dreams of one day representing his country at the Olympics. His resilience is commendable, exhibiting solidarity with his fellow horses, proving that they are a strong-knit community who face adversities together. Amid the blues, his spirit shines, turning his dreams into silver linings on a grey cloud. Until then, let's offer a carrot of hope so that Hovis and his friends can endure the winter blues yet come out strong when summer finally arrives!
Resource: Hovis’ Friday diary: ‘Winter has stayed longer than an unwanted smell in a public toilet’
