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of the rider ’ s body and directly responds to it . For example , a rider wants the horse to do a “ half pass .” In this movement , the horse travels laterally . To ask for a “ half pass ,” the rider shifts the outside leg back to engage the horse ’ s hind-end and drops their weight on their outside sitbone to push the horse in the desired direction . It sounds silly in writing , especially to someone who has never ridden a horse . However , to a rider , it is an unmistakable feeling when they figure out how to effectively ask a horse to do what they want . As a coach , it is the greatest joy to watch the lightbulb go off in my student ’ s head when the technique “ clicks .”
Managing a barn successfully cannot be done alone . I would collaborate with barn managers , grooms , farriers , veterinarians , grooms , students and clients . My barn managers would coordinate each horse ’ s care , monitor inventory and optimize the team ’ s schedules . I would ensure that my barn managers are efficient , effective and happy , and I would do my best to alleviate any problems that may arise . Grooms are invaluable in maintaining the best care for the horses . They prepare horses for riding or training , monitor for any health changes and logistically coordinate horses during competitions . Farriers , who maintain horse ’ s hooves , and veterinarians are essential in maintaining the horse ’ s health . Just like any other athlete , horses must be in peak condition to perform their best . Horses are also very accident-prone animals , so my veterinarian is always on speed dial . My students not only learn riding skills from me , but horse management . They assist in horse care and learn the logistics and management in creating a successful barn team . My clients entrust me to train their horses to reach their fullest potential . I would collaborate with them to create the best training plan for their horses so that they can reach their highest expectations .
People outside of the horse world do not usually understand that I would also be a broker . In the horse business , one of the most lucrative aspects is the buying and reselling of horses . I would buy horses that I see potential in , train them and then sell them for a higher price . Personally , as a native Kentuckian , I am biased toward OTTBs , off-the-track-thoroughbreds . These horses retire from racing and need a new career . Additionally , horses bred for showjumping have the most potential to reach Grand Prix level . Their conformation ( body ) and personalities are tailored toward jumping high , turning tight and galloping fast . In the U . S ., there are very few breeders , so most people import horses from Europe . I would probably have a combination of both OTTBs and imported horses . The time it takes to train a horse varies with both the horse itself and when a potential buyer is interested . It is even common to receive a bid on a horse that is not even for sale yet . Of course , I would get attached to these sale horses , but I always remember that I am helping them find their person who will shower them in attention and love .
My alternate life would not be without a healthy dose of interaction with medicine . Injuries are inevitable when working with a 1,500-pound animal . Almost everyone in the horse world has been sent to the hospital at one point in time , and if they have not , they will . Injuries can come from falling off a horse to interacting with a horse from the ground . Any crazy horse person , when injured , just gets right back on the horse … and then goes to the hospital . I , like many others in the sport , would rather continue our ride or task that we were doing before seeking medical care . Showjumping , along with the other disciplines , continues to update safety regulations and equipment . But when you work with horses , anything is possible .
In my alternate universe , I would trade my patients for horses . I would be flying through the air with my horse , and ( hopefully ) winning a hefty jackpot . My days would consist of training horses , teaching my students , managing my barn and buying / selling horses . My career would have plenty of sunless mornings , mud covered clothes , aching muscles and long nights . Despite the good days and bad days , I would be happy in this alternate life . However , this is just a fantasy , and in reality , I am holed up in a study room or running around a hospital in pursuit of the infamous “ doctor ” title . Although the days can be hard , I have fallen in love with the field of medicine and with helping treat patients in my community . I may not be jumping fences that are taller than me , but I am equally as thrilled when I learn something new about the human body . It does me good that I still ride horses , just not at an Olympic level … yet .
This essay was a submission to the 2024 Richard Spear , MD , Memorial Essay Contest .
Shelby Brantley is a second-year medical student at the University of Louisville School of Medicine from Georgetown , Kentucky .
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