Over the years, I’ve encountered the best and the worst of what the horse world has to offer. I’ve shown Grand Prix Jumpers at the Big AA horse shows, I’ve slept in dirty hay, I’ve worked many jobs inside the horse industry.

But at the end of the day, I’m just like you. I’m not a professional.

I have a job to go to in the morning. I have finances at home to counter against my horse addicition. I have to ride everyday. I balance a family life. I want the best for me and my equine companion.

And regarding time, money, or friendships, I have little room for error.

I’ve been riding as long as I could walk. I love horses more than anything. And the hardest realization I made long ago was that there are MANY forces surrounding the pure, soulful, act of riding that are working against the normal horsewoman. Many forces that will pry you from your money, pry you from your passions, and strip you from your means and might to keep at this wonderful sport.

Trainers, barn managers, fellow equestrians; few outside of your very close circle actually have your best riding interest at heart. I’ve been lucky—burned a few times but with a keen eye that has served me well.

Many other horseriding girlfiends have not faired so well. People fleeced on horse deals, lied to by trainers, and burned out of the whole industry. No one is safe. Backyard riders to stay-at-home corporate wives; sometimes those with the most have the most to lose.

In writing Green: The (Missing) Horseback Rider’s Guide for Keeping Your Money, Sanity, and Joy, my primary goal is to keep you on track to accomplish your goals, keep you vigilant, and keep you happy and healthy in horses.

I want you to ride horses peacefully for a long time. I want to help you avoid shady practices. And most importantly, I want to give you a peak behind the curtain of the myriad instances where an advanced horse education will serve you well.

Green is my attempt to level the playing field in your favor. Since not everyone has a trusted, personal guide to help with horse decicions big and small, hopefully this book will become your quick and easy-to-read companion for years to come.

Maybe keep an extra copy in the tack trunk, yeah?

- Kristine Oakhurst