Yup, I live in horse country in Michigan. I can't drive anywhere without seeing horses and horse pastures. My elderly neighbor and friend is a horsewoman from way back. She participated in and helped organize and lead equestrian endurance events for decades, though health issues make it impossible for her to ride anymore.

She happens to identify as a Democrat and has values that are almost as leftist as my own, but she says that has always put her in a minority among her avocational equestrian peers.

It's not about the horse, of course (pun intended!), it's about where we live. People around here tend to be very conservative whether they own horses or not.

A well known and respected family in the area who own a large horse-breeding operation played a major role in stumping for Republican votes in the last election.

They also played a major role in spreading some pretty wild conspiracy theories. (About Chinese "communists" taking over our state with the cooperation of the Democratic Party.)

My leftist horsewoman neighbor was outraged. She spent tons of time on Facebook trying to talk sense to peers who didn't want to hear her.

But she tries.

I'm going to send her a link to your story.