What Have I Been Doing Lately?

Things I do daily:
1. Working for the fair board writing press releases, blogs, trivia questions, media guides, schedules, facebook, and on and on. The blog we do is found here- http://www.kystatefair.tumblr.com/. The other intern that I work with is named Sarah, she is really nice and we get along extremely well. She goes to Western Kentucky University. The Fair starts on the 19th so we will be really busy then. I will work during school for a few days.
2. Hanging out with Joe. We're surprisingly compatible and can tolerate each other for extended periods of time. Usually we make dinner together, watch Burn Notice or Jeopardy, or just hang out. 
3. I think. When I am not occupied by thoughts of my present activities I begin to think about school, the GRE, horses and travel. 

Recent highlights:
1. On the 27th we saw John Mayer in Cincinnati. It was epic. His talent is underestimated, and it's overshadowed by unintelligent girls swooning at his song lyrics. He does have really great lyrics, they are well written and evoke familiar feelings. He's an excellent guitar player, plays harmonica and ukelele. He had 20 minute long jams all throughout his 2 hour performance. Tell me what other popular artist can do that.
2. I cleaned my apartment really well and put some weather stripping in my front door to help with energy efficiency. I live on the top floor so it takes more energy to cool my place when it's hot.

Upcoming highlights:
1. Bats game tonight. We got free tickets from the Fair Board and get to sit in the Hall of Fame Pavilion. It will be fun. We'll probably watch Burn Notice too.
2. Mom, Dad and Patrick will be coming to Louisville on the 12th. Bringing with them my beautiful 9mm and hopefully the puppies.

Important things:
1. Studying for the GRE and developing my senior research project.
2. Doing more arts, crafts, reading and practicing my design, photo and writing skills.
3. Making the most of the time I have with Joe. He'll probably be moving back to Troy, OH to work as a product manager for the company he co-oped with. Although I don't want him to be gone most of the time, I'll probably be able to focus on school better.
4. Making my apartment as beautiful, comfortable and energy efficient as possible for the least cost.
5. Using my discount riding lessons before they expire. I've put it off because returning to horses feels like "being friends" with someone you love. You can't have them so it's torture.

That's all for now, I will try to keep up with this and I will add pictures later.

All my love, Becky <3

I Wish I Had A Horse, but...

After hearing the discussions on the Equine Industry Survey at the AHP Seminar, I was very surprised at the surprise industry professionals displayed at the results.  They were most surprised at the fact that very few people around the ages of 25 and younger owned horses.  I ask, why were they surprised?  I am 21 and do not own a horse, yet I have nearly 12 years of horse experience and knew many, many people my age involved with horses.  I have several simple answers to the question, why are there so few young horse owners?

1. Their parents own horses.  This is how it is with almost every single person my age involved with horses.
2. They don't have enough money to keep horses.  I would LOVE, beyond compare, to own a horse RIGHT NOW.  Fiscally, I cannot, plain and simple.
3. Young people are involved with horses but chose not to respond to the survey, thus skewing results.  I believe there were many young people who looked at the survey and chose not to respond because it called for "horse owners," and as I pointed out above, they are not horse owners, their parents are.

The next question asked was, how do we get young people involved with horses?  Again, a few simple answers.

1. Embrace older owners, parents and grandparents, who can make horses available to their children.
2. Disperse information and educate people in order to overcome the idea that horse involvement means a huge bank account and a lofty nose.
3. Make horses available.  Not necessarily for ownership.  Reduce the costs of getting involved, share and make it known that horse owners want green people involved.

The horse industry must reach out and actively change the perceptions of non-horse people.  It won't be easy, but it is possible.  I'm doing it now, in my internship.  How?  I've written a "Horse Show Survival Guide" for the State Fair's media guide.  I will also be writing a blog on "How to Watch a Horse Show."  These are written to explain the basic concepts behind a horse show and help viewers understand what is really going on.  If they understand it they will be better able to enjoy it.  We must help them understand.