A moment of truth (AKA- don't forget to thank your SO!)

[IveGotRhythm]

My husband and I were watching a movie.

The main character went to get into his car- a brand new Mercedes convertable.

I said to my husband, "I guess that's what I'd be driving if I didn't have horses, huh?"

You should have seen the look on my husband's face. No judgement, no sarcasm. Just pure incredulous, surprise, and relief.

He said, "You know, you COULD be driving that." Again, just said in amazement, no judgement.

It was as if it was the first time he realized that *I* realized how much the horses cost us, in $$ and lifestyle.

So, don't forget to thank your SO for understanding your lifestyle choices. He/she may wish they had a SO who drove an expensive car/wore expensive clothes, but they understand what WE need.

And they love us anyway.

[Taska]

I couldn't agree more. I started riding again just 4 years ago, 3 years ago SO started riding. Fast forward to today and we are the proud owners of the two nicest paint geldings on the planet. Last week while we were shopping my husband turned to me and said, "Boy, I wish we'd gotten into horses when we were younger, we'd probably have our own farm now." Today at work he e-mailed me photos of a horse trailer he saw for sale and told me I should call about it. He not only gets it, he is just as addicted to horses as I am now. I am so lucky and I know it.

[IveGotRhythm]

If you could have seen the look on my husbands face- it was as though he has thought throughout our whole marriage that I blamed him for the fact that I'm not driving a new Mercedes!

And that he was SO relieved that I knew and appreciated the fact that I realized that my horses are the reason WHY I don't have those things!

I always just assumed that he knew that I realized how much my horses take out of our budget- but he was SO relieved to hear it from me that I guess he didn't. It seems that he's been feeling bad about not being able to afford a lot of extras, without realizing that I don't miss or expect those things...

As long as I have my horses!

[kahjul]

I always make a point to thank my husband when I have a great ride or just when I have a good day at the barn. He doesn't care for horses in general, never has. He probably wouldn't know which horse was mine in a field. But, he never complains, listens to my lesson highs and lows, my vet crisis, etc. I know HE wishes we drove a mercedes, but than I'd be insane and he'd be paying for MY care!

[HungarianHippo]

I too thank my husband on a regular basis. He doesn't ride at all but enjoys the horses. We keep our-- ok, MY-- horses at home and as you can imagine this shapes our lives in big and small ways. Most of the time it's a positive thing where we look at each other with big $hit eating grins at our good fortune for having this life. But there are also those random Tuesday nights when we both have crap going on at work that we have to get up early for, and the neighbor's cattle is loose on our land or I need help moving a roundbale or something and it's 33 degrees out and sleeting. Or tonight when our dinner that he had cooked was interrupted by an opossum in our kitchen. I wish I were kidding you. :lol: And conversely, there are things that he loves which I indulge, too. The horsey life is what we do together, and I remain grateful to have such a fun partner in it. So yea, I thank him regularly.

[nuts4cowboybutts]

Yes, but a Mercedes doesn't respond to a hug.
A Mercedes doesn't nicker for you when it sees you coming.
A Mercedes has fumes, not a sweet hay-breath.
A Mercedes can't have a wonderful reproduction of itself.
A Mercedes can't give me pleasure like a horse does.

More?

[Prieta]

Thursday was our Hay Day! My DH is allergic to hay but he'd stuff himself with antihistamine so that he could stack them up for me. DH would look at me and ask if I was happy with the way the hay was stacked.

My Arab does not really like to be with other people but myself and my DH who she knows that he does not care much about horses. My girl always tries her best to show that she and I are grateful for DH's attention and help by licking him all over! :D Nothing can replace her "kisses" - my DH loves those kisses!

[4Martini]

It's funny, my SO was looking for a new car that met the requirements of being in good running condition with 4WD for his winter commute. He was looking on the insurance auctions page - our BIL has a licence for it. Well, we ended up with a nearly brand new BMW with a salvage title (repaired.) I tell him he wouldn't have as nice of a car if it wasn't for trying to save money.

He did look for months for a subaru. He loves his shiny nearly new BMW. I keep telling him I'm going to get him a licence plate that says "My other car is a thoroughbred." to add credence to his new posh look (noboby has to know it's a $700 OTTB...)

[BeastieSlave]

My husband actually tried to convince me that I would rather drive a big fat shiny new Mercedes than own so many horses :no:

[gully's pilot]

For years, my husband has been able quite happily to justify damn near anything he does regarding golf with the knowledge that I spend more on horses. Even joining a club--the initiation fee cost less than building me a barn.

Once we were on a weekend trip with some friends and the guys went out to play a course that was pretty expensive. When they got home, the friend went over and kissed his wife and said sweetly, "Wouldn't you love to get a horse?"

[Huntertwo]

What a nice story. :)

Us who have understanding spouses are lucky. I do spend a lot of money on my pony, and this means he has to pick up the house hold expenses, yet never complains.

He knows I belong in my pickup truck rather than a Mercedes and honestly? I'd take my pickup.:)

I have a part time job which pays for my board and my personal expenses. Gas, credit card etc. But nothing left for the household bills.

It is great to have a hubby who would rather see me happy than miserable if I had to sell my girl for financial reasons.

Although, if someone offered me a red Ferrari??? hmmmmm ;)

[EqTrainer]

A couple of nights ago I was chatting with LMEqT about gratitude. The subject had come up at school and she asked me what I was grateful for.

I told her that I was grateful that her father, Mr. EqT, is so generous as to have changed his entire life plan so that we could live on a farm and have our horses at home with us. I told her that I was grateful that her father is never angry when we ride all day, or talk only about horses, or have our horsie friends over that he has to pretend to be able to relate to. I told her that I am grateful that because of him, we have such a nice life - not only do we have everything we need, we have everything we want.

I had no idea he was listening in the next room.

When I got up and walked in there, I saw him.

You know.. he has been particulary nice since that night. I realized it really is important to TELL THEM, even if it is thru eavesdropping, that we appreciate everything they do for us, even if it is in the name of being a "good provider".

I hope LMEqT grows up knowing that not only would her father die for her, but he would do anything in his power to make it possible for her to have a pony.

[chebeau]

My dear hubbie now goes out to the barn where we board to check the stinky pony and dole treats out to he and his pasture buddy without me.

He even took my mom and her husband to visit Bosco while I was at work a few weeks ago.

This was a man who said he'd support the horse, but was not really into them. Now, he asks if he can go to the barn with me. Plus, he has a horse crush on the big bay quarter horse gelding and wants to know if he is big enough for him to ride. He's 6'4 and 270 so the stinky pony is a bit small.

He looks forward to the day the stinky pony lives at home. He's a good horse hubbie.

[Cherry]

Really!

Over the years we have, at times, been in desperate financial straits and I offered to sell my little TB mare--my husband refused to hear of it! :eek: He knew I'd be a PITA if I had to do that, but it was nice to hear that he realized that I needed an outlet and was willing to sacrifice for my happiness--that's what it's all about... :yes:

He often joked about my little mare and I--she was a handful at times and I got hurt a couple times--nothing serious, and both times it was my fault for not paying attention! Through it all he stood by us and never complained or told me to get rid of the horse.... :)

When I had to put my horse down recently he took the day off work to be with me, in case I crumbled--instead it was he who needed to be consoled.... I hugged him as he wept and after it was over it started to rain gently. When I mentioned the rain he said it was "the tears of angels, who were crying for Cherry" (our little mare)".... :cry:

What a guy!!!!!! ;) :yes: