What a crazy few months it has been. With what looks like a light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel, we can all take a deep breath of relief (for now). There are some positive cultural statues that remain even during a pandemic: holidays! 

Memorial Day is about honoring the men and women in the armed forces that lost their lives preserving the freedom and safety of the United States. 

In 2020, the term, “front-liners” doesn’tjust mean those who have fallen in the military, but front-liners in the wake of COVID-19 as well: medical workers. Even though we never go to them when we think we fractured our foot from being stepped on again, we need them in light of the dangerous nature of our sport. Not only are they there to help us when we fall, they are now one of the driving forces behind the equestrian world opening up again. 

Veterinarians have always been valued resources, but it seems a little more these past few months.  Being essential, they care for the health of horses and managing infectious diseases is just a day-to-day duty for them. Even though COVID-19 hasn’t seem to have a huge effect on animals, vets are experts in infectious diseases and herd control, their expertise is to be recognized and appreciated. Vets are still constantly around pet owners and still run a risk of transmission. 

If you have any of these people in your family or friend group, give them a thank you and a social-distance-style air hug. They are the reason our country has been able to take a few steps forward.