05/31/2026
๐ฑ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ ๐
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐.
This weekend, a teenager targeted and attacked multiple horses at a super show, a sickening reminder of how deep malice can run. While that level of violence is far from normal, it stems from a root that permeates our sport like a plague. ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฒ.
At local horse shows, association shows, boarding barns, and everywhere in between, jealousy severs relationships, disbands committees, and infiltrates barns.
๐ฏ๐๐ ๐
๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐
๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐?
It shows up in a long list of behaviors:
โขBackhanded compliments & passive-aggressive jokes
โขGossip and spreading false stories to gang up against you (the word "false" is key here, if you did something wrong and people are talking about it, thatโs accountability, not jealousy)
โขWithdrawal from conversations and relationships
โขLimitation, imitation, or turning every single interaction into a competition
โขA distinct lack of genuine support (if they aren't cheering for you, they aren't your people)
โขExclusion from conversations, events, or opportunities
โขWatching everything you do
On their own, these behaviors do not necessarily point to jealousy. When just a few are combined, they are a pretty easy to read formula.
I'm sure many of you have experience with jealousy. I know I do.
Itโs vital to recognize these behaviors to know who has ill intent around you.
However, I want to touch on the less talked about subject...
๐ฏ๐๐ ๐
๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐
๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐?
It takes real humility to admit, but we have to watch for the signs in ourselves.
โขWhen someone's name or presence triggers a fight-or-flight reaction, even when they've never actually done anything to you.
โขFeeling a sense of satisfaction when someone else faces a setback.
โขAvoiding situations where that person will be the center of attention.
โขFinding yourself constantly comparing your horses, your riding, or your rig to theirs.
Jealousy ultimately stems from low self-esteem.
The direct opposites?
๐ฎ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
๐ ๐๐๐
๐จ๐๐.
When you are truly grateful for what you have, it is impossible to bemoan what you don't.
When envy starts to creep in, use it as a mirror. Identify exactly what it is you admire, and let it inspire you to push harder for your own goals.
Better yet? Go ask that person how they did it. Most successful people are happy to share their journey if you approach them with respect.
You can't control someone else's jealousy towards you. Be nice when you can, and set immovable boundaries when you can't.
However, we can learn to indentify it within ourselves. If we all committed to choosing awe over envy, the horse community would be a much better, safer place.
๐จ ๐ญ๐๐๐๐ ๐ต๐๐๐: My barn aisle is a sanctuary for my horses and my clients. I have a zero-tolerance policy for malice or ill intent. I will protect the animals and people under my care by any and all means necessary.
