Unlike the old song you may not need to learn to rope and ride, but the answer to the question “What are Cowgirls looking for when it comes to a mate?” isn’t a simple one. It’s as varied as the cowgirls themselves.
“Horse Husbands” or men who get involved with horse crazy women, tend to fall into a few well defined categories:
The Money Man – This type of gentleman has plenty of ready cash. The MM is perfectly willing to support his wife in any financial way he can, but don’t ask him to give up a round of golf to come and watch her ride, or to lift a manure fork or a bucket. He is proud and happy that she has her own interests and passions and he is even willing to go stag to his country club dances occasionally. Just don’t make a habit of it, and always be there when the event is important to him. This guy isn’t really my type, but he’s perfect for the cowgirl who likes time to herself, doesn’t want the distraction of a spouse when she is competing, yet still enjoys the finer things in life.
The Resident Expert – This guy never saw a horse before he met his cowgirl. But now the RE owns a Quarter Horse breeding Farm and a dozen Crates saddles. He can tell you the fastest times for the All American and the best way to feed, condition or train anything. Unless she has the patience of “Job” or enjoys a good argument, the average cowgirl is better off without this guy. He is the one who will regal you with his expertise, but forget to fill the water trough.
The Fellow Competitor – He’s been riding since he was three and has shown horses across the country. The FC knows his stuff and is out to win, he also knows the value of good horses and well broken in equipment. As long as the competition is seen as his spouse and him against the world, this guy can be the perfect match for the cowgirl who likes to train hard and compete. He will understand why she is driven to be the best, or why she has to go back out to the barn at 10pm in a snow storm. The only fly in the ointment is if he shows signs that he expects her always to come second, or starts taking all the good horses for his string. Then he changes from a fellow competitor to just a competitor.
The Salt of the Earth (my personal favorite) – He never even had a dog before he met his horse crazy spouse. But now the SE can be seen happily cleaning stalls, traveling to shows just to watch, hooking up the trailer and even feeding while his spouse is gone on a girls trail ride weekend. He doesn’t mind that all the money from her job goes to pay for the animals and will even help pay for and unload the annual big load of hay in the fall. I have only met a few of these rare specimens, but they were always married to wonderful women and so I can only assume they knew the jewel they had and were happy to do whatever they could to keep her.
Michelle Kuester has a bachelors degree in equine science and over twenty years of experience working with horses. She is passionate about natural horsemanship and helping people gain the best possible relationship with their equine companions. 
