01/28/2026
😂🐴 Maslow’s Hierarchy of equestrian Needs
Because psychology is one thing…
but horses rewrite the pyramid entirely.
🟤 Level 1: Basic Survival
Coffee (non-negotiable)
Dry socks (ideally, but we’re flexible)
Enough sleep to safely operate a wheelbarrow
Hands that still vaguely work after frozen taps
🟠 Level 2: Safety & Security
Horse is fed (before yourself, obviously)
Rugs changed correctly for the 47th weather change today
Trailer/lorry starts
You remember where you parked it
Vet, farrier, dentist all booked and not on the same day
🟡 Level 3: Love & Belonging
Your horse winnies at you (or at least acknowledges your existence)
Yard friends who understand mud-based trauma
Group chats titled things like “Is this normal?”
Bonding over weather, rugs, and emotional damage
🟢 Level 4: Esteem
Someone says: “Your horse looks great”
You get through a ride without questioning your entire life
You get a compliment for looking "normal" in Starbucks
One good photo. Just one.
🔵 Level 5: Self-Actualisation
A magical ride where everything clicks
You feel calm, capable, and connected
You briefly believe you know what you’re doing
You consider entering something “for fun”
(Lasts approximately 12 minutes)
🟣 Bonus Level (Unlocked Randomly):
Enlightenment
Standing in a muddy field
Drinking cold coffee
Watching your horse eat hay
Thinking: “I wouldn’t change this.”
✨
If Maslow owned horses I'm sure he would have written all this.
If he had, coffee would be the foundation
and dry socks would be aspirational.
Feel free to tag your yard friends who are currently stuck somewhere between survival and esteem 😅🐎
