Perspective

Over one weekend, I saw a mini horse colt horse weighing 28 pounds and a literally 18.2 hand half Clydesdale, half Dutch Warmblood... and both of these incredible beings belong to the species Equus. It is hard to fathom. And it is a testimonial to how humans can manipulate the world around us to suit our whims, our needs, our wants. Yet, left alone, horses in a feral state would return to the most efficient size and shape; adapt their coloring to serve as "camouflage" in their surroundings; re-establish their instinctive actions and hone their senses. Dogs left in a feral condition eventually all look alike with efficient shape, size and coloring, too. Nature provides diversity and beauty - brilliant colors and stunning shapes when such aspects are of use to the plants and animals she serves. Cold climates create thick coats and layers of fat... Rolling hills of sand require soft, flat padded feet that do not dig in. This world is such an amazing mix of properties and accessories and perspectives - why would we ever want us to all look and act alike? Thank goodness for our differences and our similarities and our perspectives. Thank goodness most of us appreciate these in humans and in animals!

Judgement

I judged a Hunter/Jumper show last weekend. It was on the west side of the Organ Mountains and the dirt blew in giant swirls and brown walls that blocked my view of riders on occasion. The show was full of tiny ponies and wonderful kids riding on in spite of the weather (it has certainly been worse, as well as better), draft cross horses with the greatest temperaments and big eyes and ears, gorgeous Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods with big hooves and haunches, Pintos and Appaloosas and everything you can imagine. All working hard and riding well and caring about the horses and each other. As a Buddhist, it is really hard to judge things. Seriously. I trained decades ago to be a horse show judge and secrets were shared with us in classes from some of the top judges in the country. Still, I have a hard time using my training to place one beautiful child and her beloved pony or horse over another... yet I do it. I take my job seriously and stay focused from the beginning to the end. Last weekend we went over 11 hours with no lunch break (they brought me a wonderful veggie sandwich that I ate as classes continued) and the riders, parents, grooms - all kept smiling (bright white teeth against pure dirt covered faces) and helping each other. I'm still putting aloe on my wind-burned face. As I think about this show (and all the others I've judged or ridden in), I know for sure that horses - most of the time - bring out the best in people!