Which Group Are You In?
I just read results of a survey conducted to pinpoint people's reasons for involvement with horses. The research turned up five main psychographic groups. Do any of these sound like the right fit for you? Which one?
1. Intimate emphasis – the primary reason for horse ownership is to have a personal and emotional relationship with the horse.
2. Social emphasis – owners in this group favor and depend on the respect and camaraderie of other horse owners. They want to share their enthusiasm with others of like mind. They treasure the sense of belonging.
3. Familial emphasis – those in this group use horse involvement for family bonding, learning, and recreation. They’ve owned horses for several generations and live predominantly in rural areas. Horses are part of the family identity.
4. Commercial/competitive – the main emphasis for these owners is on winning and/or financial gain. They may have intimate feelings for certain horses, but as a whole, horses are their “achievement partners,” or their means to an end.
5. Detached – this category includes those in the horse-industry service sector who are detached from actual hands-on horse involvement, and who view horses as subject matter around which they earn their 9-to-5 livings. Many breed-association employees fall into this group, as do manufacturers, retailers, product reps, etc.
posted by Juli Thorson @ 12:59 PM
7 comments
7 Comments:
I see myself as in both groups 1 and 2, I share a deep emotional bond with my horses, but also love the bonds that I share with others who love their horses as much as I love mine. Mostly I am in group 1 though, as there is nothing better to me then standing in a field with my arms over my horses back just enjoying the time I spend with them.
I am absolutely in group 1. I rarely create close relationships with other horse owners because as much as I hate to admit it, horse people can be such freaks! I feel that I can relate to my horse at a level that I can not share with any other human being. My family can easily tell if I am behind on my "Bob time" :)
I think I belong to 3 of the groups: 1, 2, and 3. I have a deep emotional relationship with my horse Tia, and now her first foal Rio. The last 8 years or so we have been competing in Western events with a great group of ladies. I also enjoy trailriding with other horsey friends. My mom and I also spent a lot of time together when I was growing up and even now with our horses. But I most enjoy the early morning rides alone with my horse before heading off to work.
I am mostly in group 1, especially now that my horses live at home with me. During the height of my boarding and competition days, I would also relate to groups 2 and 3, but 1 is the main factor for why I will have horses in my life as long as I am able to.
Group one, two, and four.
A lot of group one. Horses have been a part of me ever since I could remember. I don't know what I would do without them - they are as much a part of me as my arm or leg.
Competition brings friends, fun, and lots of different activities. It also bring winnings which increases the the risk level and at the same time the fun level.
My entire social network is based off of my involvement with horses, however my friends as such that even if I didn't have a horse they would still be my friends - that's why they are my friends. The fact they also have horses and compete with me is icing on the cake.
We horse people tend to find each other and connect, almost as if we are magnatized. And its so nice because we understand each other - when we call each other all upset about a bad day at a show we "care".
My family is not a horse family so group 3 is not a factor. I have always wondered why I turned out to be a horse girl...it was my first word, the first thing I asked for and part of my entire life even though I had to fight for them.
I would consider myself to have fitted into all but the last group,as my interests and experience with horses has evolved, during which time most of the characteristics from each group have sort of overlapped each other.
Being involved with a less numerous, if not actually rare breed, their is a strong sense of camaraderie amongst foxtrotter owners. I have never had strong family ties, but have made my own extended family of good friends, good horses, and wonderful memories.
I enjoy competition, not so much for competition's sake itself but for the sense of purpose it gives. One cannot make an excuse to lay on the couch watching old movies when they have a deadline coming up.
Having herd tastes on a single horse budget has meant that I've had to find creative ways to suppplement my income, for my regular job does not provide the means for twenty horses and the money it takes to go participate in activities. Currently my means of raising extra funds include standing a stallion, buying and reselling the occasional horse, and selling Breyer horse models on ebay.
I suspect the result of this survey is going to show that group number one is going to be the primary reason people get involved with horses though. After all, there is nothing quite like sitting in the sawdust with cup of coffee in hand, watching your horse eat his hay while the day slowly comes to life around you.
I am a combination of both 1 and 4. My horse is my best friend as well as my teammate. She is an attentive listener, keeps all of my secrets and never ceases to amaze me with her intelligence and athletic ability. Competition is something we both enjoy. I feel that she takes as much pride in a job well done as I do. At the end of the day, regardless of whether we are going home with blue ribbons or not, I am always greatful for her companionship.
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