Barns can be cliquish–you've seen the hunter-jumper facility with nary a saddle horn in sight or the Western farm where cross-rails are considered alien contraptions. Yet we can have the most fun when we dispense with discipline and breed lines, simply enjoying our animals and learning from each other.

Equine associations at first glance can appear to be the ultimate cliques. Horse owners look for the club that will best represent their discipline, breed, geographic area, and even age group. This method for finding a club or association might work, especially if you're lucky enough to find one with proactive members. But you might also be closing yourself off from an array of organizations that could provide just what you need.

Maybe a particular organization offers more educational opportunities than other groups. Expand the search beyond your specific niche in the horse world and see what develops