Why do people at school think that I'm "gay" because I ride?

Sorry to hear this. It's horrible that the word 'gay' is being used as some kind of slur - hell, at least one of those people calling names is likely to question their own sexuality at some point. But I guess it's not really about that so much as just taking the mick about something they don't know much about. Try telling them about racing or polo which are mostly male dominated and tres macho! My son and husband both ride - neither really wears the kit unless they are doing something formal but they both look so cool when they do. Luckily, where we live, lots of men ride or have some involvement with horses so it's quite normal about these parts. I love the fact that when we ride as a family on the mountains, there are often 3 generations riding together and my husband and father in law present brilliant riding role models for my son who is 8. In other countries, horses are perceived very much as a man's domain.

Just keep enjoying what you are doing and stay true to yourself: you will find confidence, love and happiness that way.
 
BenjiMan - you've made loads of friends on this forum because you seem like such a nice young man, and we've not even met you!

I agree with others that those ignorant immature stupid little boys in their stupid small little worlds clearly don't know anything about the equine world or each individual's right to freedom of choice, regarding anything whatsoever.

Just keep on rising above their stupidity. Before you know it the school years will be over anyway and you'll each go your separate ways, if need be. You never know what the future holds. Some of them may even become keen riders themselves!

Spend as much time as you possibly can around horses. It's a bug that once bitten, for many of us become an overwhelming passion in life and horses will bring you countless happy moments, by their very nature.

Found these quotes online:

A man on a horse is spiritually as well as physically bigger than a man on foot. [John Steinbeck]

If the world was truly a rational place, men would ride sidesaddle. [Rita Mae Brown]
 
npage123 said:
BenjiMan - you've made loads of friends on this forum because you seem like such a nice young man, and we've not even met you!

I agree with others that those ignorant immature stupid little boys in their stupid small little worlds clearly don't know anything about the equine world or each individual's right to freedom of choice, regarding anything whatsoever.

Just keep on rising above their stupidity. Before you know it the school years will be over anyway and you'll each go your separate ways, if need be. You never know what the future holds. Some of them may even become keen riders themselves!

Spend as much time as you possibly can around horses. It's a bug that once bitten, for many of us become an overwhelming passion in life and horses will bring you countless happy moments, by their very nature.

Found these quotes online:

A man on a horse is spiritually as well as physically bigger than a man on foot. [John Steinbeck]

If the world was truly a rational place, men would ride sidesaddle. [Rita Mae Brown]
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Thank you! It does really mean a lot to me with everyone telling me solutions and giving their personal feedback and giving such complements such as you've just done, today at school no one said anything surprisingly, but if anyone does, I will remember this page, for sure! ;)
 
BenjiMan said:
Thank you! It does really mean a lot to me with everyone telling me solutions and giving their personal feedback and giving such complements such as you've just done, today at school no one said anything surprisingly, but if anyone does, I will remember this page, for sure! ;)
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Aw, thank you for the thank you :D Glad my post made somewhat sense as I was struggling for ages to get the wording right and I wasn't all that sure about the end result being any helpful to you. Yes - do remember that you've got an online army of people rooting for you :D
 
npage123 said:
Aw, thank you for the thank you :D Glad my post made somewhat sense as I was struggling for ages to get the wording right and I wasn't all that sure about the end result being any helpful to you. Yes - do remember that you've got an online army of people rooting for you :D
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Yes haha ;) I am so thankful
 
A friend of mine once told me that he had gone to ballet and tap dance lessons as a teenager because there were loads of girls there so more opportunity to meet girls. Believe me when you intoduce your horsey girl friends to these boys they will have more respect!
 
Seems some things don't change. At 32 my school days are getting further away from me, how ever, I know what you experienced and can sympathise. Although not horsey I was the only one in my school that had an interest in Farming/Agriculture. I was called every name they could think of and made to feel the size of an pin head! At 16 and heading to agricultural college I had the best years and made great friends with similar interests. I do ride regularly now and even though many comments suggest woman don't like the look of men in breeches and boots, there's not many lessons I don't notice a few females standing watching at the side! The horses must be attractive :-)

Don't stop a hobby you enjoy. Ignore it and quite literally ride above it!
 
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