In honor of Father’s Day, our hats are off to the countless horse dads that go the extra mile to help their children – no matter what age. They keep watch, offer encouragement and give confidence when it’s most needed. And for those that have not had a father, we honor those who have stepped in to give support to other horse-loving children…
You see them carrying buckets, hay nets, saddles, and muck buckets at the shows or barns. They instruct and give insights. For some, they tower over their children while for others they look eye to eye. No matter what the situation is, they keep watch and are able to offer help before any situation arises. They are the rocks that don’t show the pre-class show jitters, even though they intently are anticipating the win or… or understanding the loss. They will be ready for it with support and love.
When long days from a riding fall hard on their ‘babies’, they will be the ones carrying or helping their little riders to their bedrooms and tucking them in. Even the big riders get their help by leaning on their dads all the way into the house at the end of a long horse-filled day. It’s just what they do.
Dads have a way of making everything better at the barn. If it’s just the ability to hear their voices in the distance or see their caring face, it makes things better. The support of a father goes a long way. Approval needs to only be a slight smile, a nod, or a pat on the arm, but that in itself is what makes everything better.
Dads have a keen sense of when it’s time to eat. They always seem to find the best places to get food after a long day at the barn or sit at the supper table with the best conversation. It may be short but it’s always meaningful. Not a lot of words are needed with a bond as close as a father.
You see it in their eyes and in their actions. They carry the weight of concern and compassion. And quietly pick up anything heavy that needs to be carried. Tears of disappointment, dust from a fall, or leading a misbehaving horse. They lift up the hearts of the ones that need it the most and carry them on their shoulders. Dads seem to have so much strength on the tough days.
Horse dads make life easier in many ways. Hay gets stacked faster, supplies get picked up on their way home from work, and hoses get wound all around the barn. The behind the scene help they offer is simply given and most often unrecognized, but without it so much would be missing.
We thank you for your love and dedication to the horse-crazy kids that begged for the four-legged family member weighing over 1200 lbs. For all of the help, love, and support you silently show in the aisle of the barn. And for all the memories that will last a lifetime.
Happy Father’s Day to you!
Did you enjoy this blog post? We think you may like Why Equestrian Moms Are the Best Moms: A Mother’s Day Tribute by Debbie Disbrow.
