I think we’re going to start using a new phrase around here:

“Just an old show horse. Can’t do much with ’em other than a big circle.”

Of course, we’re joking.

Mostly.

Because if we’re being honest, we hear the opposite all the time.

“Just an old trail horse.”

“Just pleasure.”

“Just a family horse.”

And it’s funny how often those words are used to describe the horses that are actually doing the most.

That “old trail horse” quietly packs beginners through the woods, crosses streams, navigates rough terrain, stands tied for hours, loads in the trailer, behaves around traffic, dogs, wildlife, and whatever chaos life throws at it.

That “just pleasure horse” is the horse people actually want to ride.

And more often than not, that horse has a better temperament, more practical training, and a much longer list of real-world accomplishments than many of the show horses we celebrate.

Again, this isn’t an attack on show horses. We love show horses. We own show horses.

But words matter.

Culture is shaped by the little things we say repeatedly without thinking.

Most people aren’t intentionally being dismissive when they say “just a trail horse.” I’ve said it myself. It’s part of the language many of us grew up around.

But if we’re serious about growing horse sports—and especially if we’re serious about growing the Paso Fino—we need to be more intentional about how we talk about different disciplines and different riders.

Because the person spending every weekend exploring trails with their horse isn’t somehow less important than the person spending every weekend in the show ring.

They’re both horse people.

They’re both valuable.

And they’re both helping keep this industry alive.

It’s the same reason I try not to refer to grown women as “girls.” Most people don’t mean anything by it. It’s usually habit. But being intentional is a form of respect.

The words we choose reveal what we value.

So the next time someone says, “Oh, he’s just an old trail horse,” don’t be surprised if we respond:

“That’s okay. We’ve got a few horses around here that are just old show horses.”

Then we’ll both laugh.

And maybe think a little more carefully about the words we use.

Because changing culture doesn’t usually start with a rule.

It starts with a conversation.