This Thanksgiving afternoon I had all to myself, so (of course) I decided to spend it out on the trails with Mel. As we were sauntering down the dirt paths I ticked off the endless things I am thankful for. There's the usual: health, home, family, etc... and the more specific: Taking lessons all summer, getting to (finally) enjoy several USEA recognized events with Mel this year, having a sound and happy horse to do all of this with.
That's when the thought occurred to me that I think I am REALLY, really grateful for arriving at a point in life where I can appreciate what a magnificent gift getting the opportunity to be grateful for all of these things actually is. Did you follow that? Yeah, muddled, I know. I chewed on this concept for a while today and the words are still figuring out how to communicate the emotion.
Lots of people compete in equestrian events and own horses. Lots of people care for these horses, ride and interact with them daily. And this is a realm where you don't stick around long if you're not passionate and driven because there's not much other reward in it. Not many make money. Not many break even. Not many withstand injury. All of us endure extreme weather, excessive labor, exhaustion and (yes) a certain degree of humiliation when things don't go right. And then we do it again. It's a kind of "crazy" to anyone who does not know what a deeply seeded passion is like. But, here we are.
And, here I was today, on Thanksgiving afternoon, alone with my horse, walking down a dirt road. And to be able to do this...I am thankful.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Today is the first day...of the rest of this blog!
Greeting all! This is my first sojurn into the realm of blogging, so I'm begging now for your patience - as well as applauding you for your bravery and good taste in choosing to read this hot mess.
Currently, Mel and I have just wrapped up the 2011 eventing season feeling pretty good about this summer's escapades. I plan to delve into each event we attended in entirety, in it's own separate blog. (So check the sidebar!) The winters here in Rhode Island are at least 2 months too long, and this will help pass the time.
As for now, Mel is enjoying leisurely fall trail rides and more down-time as I frantically winterize everything around her in preparation for the loooooooooooong cold spell.
Yesterday we headed out to the "horseman's park" in Arcadia. We had the entire place to ourselves, (which isn't unusual for an early-morning weekday) and were happily trotting and cantering all over the dang place when a car pulled into the back of the park and a man dressed in full camo got out. We continued our "happy little canter circles" and after a few minutes the man got back into his car and drove away. Not sure if he decided against the location, or the company. Mel does like to grunt loudly when she canters-so probably the latter.
Anyhow, we had a great outing and I rode a fairly sweaty (and happily humming) horse back home. I'd forgotten how easily she sweats with all of her new super-fur! Mel can grow a full winter coat in about a week. Feathers, beard and all. Warm bath, wool cooler and a full haynet later...horse bliss!
Currently, Mel and I have just wrapped up the 2011 eventing season feeling pretty good about this summer's escapades. I plan to delve into each event we attended in entirety, in it's own separate blog. (So check the sidebar!) The winters here in Rhode Island are at least 2 months too long, and this will help pass the time.
As for now, Mel is enjoying leisurely fall trail rides and more down-time as I frantically winterize everything around her in preparation for the loooooooooooong cold spell.
Yesterday we headed out to the "horseman's park" in Arcadia. We had the entire place to ourselves, (which isn't unusual for an early-morning weekday) and were happily trotting and cantering all over the dang place when a car pulled into the back of the park and a man dressed in full camo got out. We continued our "happy little canter circles" and after a few minutes the man got back into his car and drove away. Not sure if he decided against the location, or the company. Mel does like to grunt loudly when she canters-so probably the latter.
Anyhow, we had a great outing and I rode a fairly sweaty (and happily humming) horse back home. I'd forgotten how easily she sweats with all of her new super-fur! Mel can grow a full winter coat in about a week. Feathers, beard and all. Warm bath, wool cooler and a full haynet later...horse bliss!
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