Man Walks Into a Barn (eBook)

A smart, funny memoir exploring the evolution of a manand his relationship with his daughters as they grow up in the grips of theequestrian life.When Chad Oldfather found himself the parent of a toddlerwho, out of nowhere, became obsessed with horses, he had no idea what awaited.With his younger daughters similarly afflicted, Oldfather was soon enmeshed inthe consuming subculture of barns, riding, and horse shows, learning not justabout the animals that so inexplicably drew his girls, but also about thepeople and personalities that populated the spaces around them.A book for parents, whatever their children's interests, andfor equestrians, who know what it's like on the inside (but maybe not whatit's like on the outside, looking in), A Man Walks into a Barn isa wise, witty, and, at times, critical look at both the light and dark sides ofyouth sports, and equestrianism in particular. Readers find themselves rootingfor Oldfather as he struggles to be the best dad he can, supporting a child'sdreams in the face of long odds and extraordinary expenses. He writes about hisparenting choices and the strange world he finds himself in with humor andhonesty, critically examining riding's high cost and the inaccessibility andinequality that results. Aware of the flaws and dangers of youth athletics, aswell as the benefits, he strives to protect his girls while supporting theirambitions the best ways he knows how.Filled with the joys, heartbreaks, and life lessons thatcome from training, competition, and time in the company of horses, this ismostly a book about family, and the strong bonds that can form when parent andchild join hands and pursue a passion together.