Riders Vote to Replace ‘Good Boy/Girl’ with ‘Thank You for Tolerating Me’

In a surprising yet heartwarming shift in equestrian etiquette, riders have voted to replace the traditional “Good boy/girl!” with a more reflective phrase: “Thank you for tolerating me.”

The decision came after an overwhelming number of riders admitted that their horses do more than just perform—sometimes, they endure. “It’s about time we acknowledged their patience,” said eventer Olivia Grumbles. “They put up with our mistakes, our amateurish riding, and let’s face it, our occasional panic attacks mid-jump. ‘Good boy’ just doesn’t cut it anymore.”

The new phrase, which will be tested at upcoming competitions, has already received mixed reactions. Some riders are embracing the change, saying it better reflects the true partnership between horse and rider. “I think ‘Thank you for tolerating me’ is far more fitting,” said dressage competitor Elise Swift, adjusting her riding gloves. “It really conveys the full depth of my gratitude after my horse somehow keeps it together while I butcher the passage.”

However, not everyone is on board. “I can’t imagine standing in front of my horse after a perfect round and saying, ‘Thank you for tolerating me,’” said veteran show jumper Max Hardy, shaking his head. “It sounds like an apology, not a reward.”

Nevertheless, it seems clear: the days of the generic “Good boy/girl!” may soon be behind us, replaced with a more heartfelt and honest expression of thanks—one that acknowledges just how much patience our four-legged partners truly have.