Thankful

“I’m thankful that this year I have had such a large gathering of people who have been so willing to help me out as I learn independence in my horsemanship. I have made mistakes, but fixable ones, and had support the whole time. I have had people to turn to when I need practical advice beyond the books I’ve read.

My trainer came to me on behalf of another boarder for advice on a horse medical issue yesterday (one I’ve handled extensively with my mare). That made me feel funky! I’m part of the club now! People value my opinion! That’s so weird to me.”

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“I’m really grateful for my boys leaser and trainer. He’s a senior pony with limitations and maintenance who loves his job, and I am so lucky that I was able to facilitate finding him a girl who just needed a pony to love. Legally I’m his owner but his heart belongs to her. He’s a pony you have to win over with consistency and she has put so much effort into that relationship. She’s a fantastic little horsewoman.

He came to me after a few years of nothing but basic care and field life, and his trainer has been instrumental in bringing him back to life. He is shiny, happy, and his health is managed meticulously. The amount of work his trainer and her employees do so I can do my traveling job and not have to worry one bit is astronomical. They are incredible people and my boy is so lucky to be loved by such a great village.”

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“I’ve had my horse for 24 years, and she’s happy and healthy. I don’t ride really much anymore, but she’s still a wonderful companion. I’m due with my first child in May, and I’ve been talking to my mare, Tess, about the baby and how I can’t wait for her to meet my child. I started riding at 3 years old and have ever since. I look forward to Tess being my child’s horse as she’s bomb proof and so gentle and calm. I trust her so much, but obviously, it will all be a gradual introduction to her and riding. I’ve already started looking to sell a saddle I don’t use so I can get a children’s saddle for them. I know I’ve got some time before they can safely ride on their own but I’m so thankful Tess is still here with me and to get to see my children have a relationship with her just melts my heart.”

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“I’m thankful for my health and ability to ride and start really training my greenie. A year ago this week I was diagnosed with an inflammatory arthritis, went on to foot fusion surgery (and no weight bearing for 10+ weeks). It was depressing, and painful and frustrating. Felix handled it like a champ- clacking crutches and devices to enable me to groom him, and a lot of time off for a horse that had only 6 months under saddle (and was new to me). I’m still adjusting to meds designed to stop the joint pain in other places, but working towards doing some walk jog shows and we’re going to start doing more lunging/poles for conditioning.”