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The Enduring Allure of the “Horse Girl” Phenomenon

The concept of the “horse girl” is one that resonates with many. Typically, there is at least one child in every school who exhibits an intense fascination with horses — donning clothing featuring equine designs, devouring books about horses, and often engaging in imaginative play where they assume the identity of a horse. This experience is something I’ve known firsthand, as I was — and perhaps still am — one of those “horse girls.”

My childhood was filled with vibrant Lisa Frank folders adorned with unicorns and an array of graphic tees showcasing sparkling cartoon horses. I found myself reading Black Beauty numerous times, often feeling a pang of envy towards friends who had their own Breyer horse collections — a luxury that eluded me. My birthday wish list was laden with requests for horseback riding lessons, and I willingly took on the task of mucking out stalls at the local barn, motivated solely by the opportunity to spend more time close to the horses. During my teenage years, I embraced my passion by teaching riding lessons at a summer camp, culminating each day with enjoyable trail rides.

Being labeled as a “horse girl” came with its challenges. Other children would often shy away from me, uninterested in joining my imaginative games — where I proudly embodied a bay mare named Brownie. Once that label was attached to me, shedding it became a struggle, as I grappled with my feelings about the identity. Yet, one figure who has consistently embraced her connection to horses is none other than Martha Stewart.

My first encounters with Martha Stewart began in the early 2000s, largely driven by my interest in cooking and baking, themes that pervaded her television show. On occasions, amidst her culinary demonstrations, she would introduce viewers to her horses and donkeys, sprinkling a unique charm that captivated me. It was in these moments that I realized I truly admired Martha, as she seemed to embody a life that I aspired to.

At eight years old, I envisioned a future where I would be an author living on a farm, engaging with horses daily. In my fifth-grade yearbook, I expressed my desire for 2025: to write while riding horses. Though I have made strides in my writing career, my equestrian ambitions are still a journey in progress.

Martha Stewart, on the other hand, appears to have seamlessly integrated both writing and her equestrian dreams. As she approaches the release of her hundredth cookbook, she tends to land property that accommodates her menagerie of horses, ponies, and donkeys. Fascinatingly, her life allows her to alternate between horseback riding, cooking, and writing; she remains involved with her horses daily, celebrating their presence through grooming rituals and the simple joys that accompany horse care, as shared on her blog.

Being a horse enthusiast affords Martha distinct opportunities, such as attending the Olympic Games, where she enjoys the world’s elite dressage and show jumping events. Her adventures include whimsical segments like riding alongside Conan O’Brien and exploring Iceland to delve into the nation’s unique equestrian culture. It’s remarkable how she can bring horses to a live set in New York City, establishing a delightful blend of her passions.

For Martha, horses constitute a fundamental aspect of her lifestyle and career. The benefits extend beyond mere companionship; they have opened doors to international travel and captivating segments. If Martha Stewart embraces her identity as a horse girl, then I proudly denounce my own affinity for that title as well.

Source
www.eater.com