I was up in Reno, Nevada last weekend for the American Endurance Ride Conference. And I've discovered that no matter where one may travel, you'll always come across horse owners.
While there decided to take a day and go out to Sparks and visit the Nugget. While having lunch, I noticed this gal sitting next to me with a tablet. On it was written one word, "equine." Of course, I just had to ask, "Noticed the word equine on your tablet, you own a horse?"
"Yes, I do!" and so began a good hour of conversation about horses. She was from Illinois and in Sparks for the International Association of Trimmers. They don't 'shoe' horses. They 'trim.'
We talked about the weather both in California and Illinois. Horses in general. Riding styles. Techniques. Problems facing horse owners from feed availability to trail closures to hauling. As we talked, more folks joined in the conversation and soon we had a whole counter of horse owners, trimmers, endurance riders and backyard equestrians swapping stories, telling tales and in general -- just visiting.
After a couple of hours, some of them headed up to their Conference at the Nugget. Others, like me, continued to talk about horses and then swap addresses, e-mails and phone numbers to keep in touch. Some of us caught the city bus back into downtown Reno where we parted company.
I do a lot of traveling. Both when just trail riding and when giving lectures, clinics and presentations. But it doesn't matter where I'm at, there are always horse owners in the area. And I've found that all one has to do is smile, talk to the other person and you'll find one of those horse owners. That's what I like about horse owners, we're always ready to talk about our favorite 'friend' -- our horse -- and where we've been, the challenges facing each of us in our particular area and how we go about solving them.
So when you're traveling and regardless if having lunch, wandering around or just looking, you won't be far from another horse owner. All you have to do is ask "Own a horse?" and you'll have hours of conversation!
And speaking of traveling, if you're in Denver be sure to drop by the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo, March 14-16. Daily at 9:30 am I'll be presenting "Horsecamping -- expanding your trail riding adventures" in the Trail Riders Conference at the Kent Feeds Trail Head in the SW Expo Hall. Come by, say 'hi' and tell me about your travels.......I'm always eager to find new trails and horsecamps for me and Nic!
Don't forget to reset your clocks this weekend. Time changes. We 'spring' ahead......
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