Interestingly, women see their horses as a friend and as a way to achieve. They prefer horses that are intuitive and understanding so they feel connected to their equine friend and to any female, there are no bad days at the barn. While riding, women feel exhilarated, energized, connected and fulfilled. You won't find that sitting in front of a computer or TV, and as for the husband, well as they say, men are from Mars and horse women are from the barn.

Over fifty percent of women spend over twelve hours per week with their horse in terms of care, preparation and riding out; like an addiction, time spent is never enough. Thirty percent of women ride more than five times a week. Pose the question to a horse crazy female, "what do you most want to achieve over the next year?" over forty percent of women answer “a more harmonious relationship with my horse.” The emotional connection with our horses and mules is the most important or the main reason we have equines. Women that have sustained injuries from riding or competing with horses, continue to ride and work with their horse or mule regardless if a doctor initially suggested to 'hang up the spurs.'

Olivia's younger sister, Esther doesn't think twice about wrangling a horse or bossing the barn yard animals around. Some say Esther may grow up one day to be a lion trainer. She borrows her aunt's paint horse, named “Cowboy” a 15.1 hand gelding and after she climbs into the saddle, there's no looking back. The thrill and excitement of achieving horseback riding goals is exhilarating for a young child such as Esther. It enables her to have a distinct identity that will carry on into her adult years.

Horses and mules can help a girl search for her cowgirl soul. The spiritual and emotional growth of a teenager that owns a horse or mule is rewarding beyond measure. Fourteen year old Rachel Lea of Greensboro, North Carolina, is a special young lady that has been blessed to achieve an exceptional relationship with her mare mule, named Rawhide. Rachel's step-mom, Donna Spoon explains, “Rawhide is wonderful for Rachel. Rachel is ADHD and riding has given her much needed confidence that she doesn't get at school. After galloping up a hill on Sunday's ride, Rachel said [to me] with great excitement, 'Wow, riding Rawhide is the most fun thing I've ever done!' and my heart is filled with joy for her. Rawhide is one special mule. The bond, the special connection they share together is awesome.”

Donna remarks, “Mule riding is another great confidence builder for Rachel and her twin sister, Emma. We took a family vacation with the girls and the mules this past summer. On two rides, we chose to ride alone as a family. This was truly a dream come true for me. When we purchased the mules eighteen months ago, I envisioned this very experience and suddenly "here we were," five-thousand feet above and up on mountain trails exploring the next bend, crossing creeks, scampering around boulders, and guess who was leading the pack? Rawhide and Rachel! I am so proud of those girls.”

Cowgirls don't cry, they just ride, ride, ride. Saddle up your horse little darlin' and pony your mule by your side. Cowgirls don't cry, they ride.