I was sent a question via e-mail recently that asked “In my opinion, who are the world’s best horseman and why?”
It took me just about 2 minutes to type up my answer as it was very easy for me, but it came very clear it was not the answer  that was expected not being a name or names as most folks would come up with. I guess I knew that but also know that I come from a different place in my perspective in what great horsemanship is.

In pondering this question after I sent my answer I felt it was maybe something we should all think on and how we are or have been affected by those that are, those that have touched our lives and the lives of horses. I know for myself it’s not only those of my time that I have met in my travels, others in which we have formed friendships and those I have observed and respected from a distance. It’s also those I think of that came before my time and those that will come after, knowing they were and will be as important to impacting so many others in their horsemanship.

 I also sent my answer on to a friend that is one of those in my time that met what I see in a great horseman and felt it important to share some important points she made as well. These are, that we do age and even though there comes a time that one may not be able ride as one once did, as a horseman it does not make you less of one. Being able to stay on a horse is possibly the least consideration of a good horseman, maybe a good rider but not a good horseman. I felt these were excellent points to think on.

 So we will all come up with different answers for many different reasons but in answering this for yourself answer in the reality not in the fantasy in which many out there are really living and will never find that place of great horsemanship.

Don’t answer it with who has given you the answers you want to hear, not who has made you the most money, brought you the most business, played your game. Answer it with those that have helped you to be a better person for yourself and for your horses.  Those that make a real difference, for all the right reasons.

Below is my answer to the questions:
Liz Graves Opinion on Who the Best Horsemen in the World are and Why

Who they are:
It’s not just one or even several but many more than that, but not as many as I would like.
They more often are not folks with famous names and have no need or desire to have one.
Just special people who get the reality of what horsemanship truly is, while living it with a passion and as a life style.

Why they are:
They know to steward themselves to be the best possible steward of the horse.
It’s not about them, but about the horse.
They know how to look into the eye of the horse and know what the horse is saying when it looks back at them.
They know the meaning of responsibility, honesty, work, credibility, character development, love and put to practice all of these in their own lives to bring forth the skills needed to be a great horseman.
 

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