Fit to Ride Valentine Special: Are You (Mentally Un)Fit Enough To Marry a Horse Girl?

For a non-horseperson, embracing a significant other’s horsey lifestyle requires a certain degree of mental instability. Biz Stamm explains.

Top: theberry.com

From Biz:

Let’s be honest, dating a horse girl is no easy task. Please refer to last year’s Are You Fit to Date a Horse Girl article for the required list of skills. Last May, my ex-boyfriend (now husband) and I decided it was time to get hitched. Marrying a horse girl is something reserved for the very rich…

…the equally horse crazy…

The gorgeous Boyd and Silva Martin. Photo via BoydandSilvaMartin.com.

…or the certifiably insane.  My husband, Dave, does not fall into either of the first two categories, so that only leaves one option.  See exhibit A:

Exhibit A: Because behind every great woman, there’s a man dressed like Norman Bates? Wait…what?!

So yes, my husband is a bit crazy, but I feel like his insanity is the one thing that allows him to deal with my horse obsession so effectively. Here are some of Dave’s crazier traits that have allowed him to not only survive, but thrive in a horsey marriage.

#1. An uncontrollable “BABY ANIMAL!” reflex.

Because of this trait this…

…this…

…and this…

…are now permanent members of the family.

#2. A complete lack self-preservation.

For those of us who began riding as kids, we never really thought about the fact that by riding we are drastically increasing our odds of a premature death. Or at least I never did. An intelligent adult, on the other hand, is aware of this fact and willingness to overlook it is a sure sign of insanity. Just this past year, Dave has taken the ultimate step in embracing the horsey lifestyle by learning how to ride. He says he would like to event (another clear sign of insanity).

#3. His manic enthusiasm for all things horsey.

OK.  Maybe that last one is all in my head.

Go riding!!!

Go riding!

Biz Stamm is the 30 year old trainer and instructor of Stamm Sport Horse, LLC, specializing in pure dressage, as well applied dressage for riders involved with other disciplines. Originally haling from Hudson, NH,  She is now living in Corvallis, OR. Biz started riding lessons at the age of 6 years old when the Dr. recommended that it may help with her bad balance and lack of coordination. While she is fairly coordinated and balanced on a horse these days, she is still somewhat of a mess on her own two feet.  

Biz currently owns two horses: her lesson horse, Kalvin, a 7 year old half-Arabian gelding…

… and her personal horse, Alpha Helix, a 2 year old Kiger mustang gelding.  Biz has had Helix since the day he was weaned, and considers him her “heart” horse.

Biz is also the proud owner (more like ownee!) of a 5 year old standard rex bunny named Pi Rex Rufuse (Get it!?  Pi r-squared!!!). Biz has always wanted to have some sort of mini horse to live in the house, and since the current landlords won’s allow any kind of equine on the property, Biz opted for a rabbit, which evolutionarily speaking, is very closely related to the horse.

After getting a Masters degree in Plant Pathology, and pursuing a career in the scientific world, it became clear to her that she was only truly happy when she was interacting with, or talking about horses (and sometimes rabbits). Now that she is riding full time, Biz still keeps her scientific training close at hand, focusing on correct biomechanics and physics involved in riding.