For passionate horse lovers, our equine companions aren’t just pets—they’re family, confidants, and life partners. They’re there through our toughest moments and celebrate our greatest victories. For amateur equestrian Therese Nery, her horse represents decades of dedication, dreams realized, and unconditional love. So when her husband demanded she choose between him and her mare, her answer was clear: “I chose my horse over my husband.”
A Passion That Defined Her Life
Therese’s love affair with horses began at age 21 when she first started riding lessons. What began as a dream quickly became an all-consuming passion. She worked hard, saved her money, and eventually achieved her biggest goal: purchasing her own horse. For Therese, owning her mare wasn’t just about having a riding partner—it was about fulfilling a lifelong ambition.
During her dating years, her boyfriend was supportive of her equestrian pursuits. But everything shifted after they got married. As financial pressures mounted and competing priorities emerged, her husband began resenting the time and money she invested in her horse.
The Breaking Point
The conflict finally came to a head when her husband issued an ultimatum: get rid of the horse. For Therese, this wasn’t a simple request—it was a demand to abandon a core part of her identity. As she reflects, “As anyone who has survived a failed, long-term relationship knows that there comes a point when even a single thought and claim can put an end to it.”
To Therese, her mare wasn’t just a horse—she was family. Giving her up would have meant betraying not only herself but also the living being that depended on her care and love. The couple’s communication broke down entirely, and the tension became unbearable. Neither could compromise, and neither could move forward together.
Choosing Her Truth
Faced with an impossible choice, Therese made the decision that would define her future. She filed for divorce. In her heart, she realized that while her husband had stopped being her life partner, her mare had never stopped being her riding partner. Sometimes, love means choosing yourself and the relationships that matter most—even when it means letting go of something else.
Finding Her Happy Ending
Divorce is never easy, and Therese needed time to heal and rebuild her life. But today, she’s thriving with a partner who truly understands her—someone who recognizes that her horse isn’t a liability or a hobby, but an essential part of who she is. Now, both Therese and her mare are embraced as beloved family members in her home.
Her story reminds us that true compatibility means accepting and celebrating the passions that make your partner who they are. For equestrians, our horses aren’t competition with relationships—they’re an integral part of our journey. Finding a partner who understands and honors that commitment isn’t just important; it’s everything.
If you’re an equestrian navigating relationships, Therese’s story offers an inspiring reminder: never apologize for loving horses. The right partner will love you for it.