Dear 22 Year Old Barn Rat,
You spent years learning to ride without stirrups, doing the hard, unglamorous work that built your strength, your discipline, and your confidence, and you discovered that horses were and are your sanctuary. Then you graduated, got a job, and suddenly felt like a beginner again. Nobody warned you about that part.
This is the letter I wish someone had handed me when I left the horses and the show life to pursue a “real” career.
Equine Welfare: Future of Trust and Dignity for Horses and the People Who Love Them
Equine welfare lies at the heart of the horse industry’s continued existence and success. The concept of "Social License to Operate" (SLO) is vital in today's world, where public scrutiny of animal industries is sharper than ever. SLO refers to the trust and acceptance granted by society to operate—and that trust hinges on demonstrating integrity, accountability, humane treatment, and professionalism in every aspect of equine care.