horse sense

I have found horses to be as interesting and aware as any humans I have known. I watch a school horse figure out that the rider on him is a frightened beginner and he will handle his "cargo" with compassion and gentleness. A horse that becomes startled can go out of his way to avoid crushing his human handler... or, in indifference; step all over someone in the way. I truly believe that horses respond to situations involving humans with the same degree of awareness and consideration that is metered out to them by these humans... I've seen it demonstrated so often that it just must be fact.

Papples

A friend brought me a piece of fruit the other day from his orchard that he said was a cross-pollination of a pear tree by an apple tree... it looked and tasted like a combination of the two. I called it a papple. Each day I went to work at the kennel, I would find a papple on my car! It was like a gift of wonder and cheer. I am down to my last papple now - a strange fruit that might never happen again. Then again, it might be something else, for all I know. BUT, to me it's a papple from a friend and I'll savor it for it's message of kindness (and possible weirdness) today.

Drinking water

Decades ago, I watched a colic surgery where the intestine was exposed, unwound and resected after copious amounts of liquid were "hosed" in to soften the near-concrete mass within. I was shocked by how much dry material had impacted the gut. I also had a Veterinarian who always "prescribed" sloppy wet mashes, soaked hay and soaked pellets when the horses seemed "off" and he approved of the Milk of Magnesia doses by mouth when my horses seemed "colicy". I loved him! And I believe that moisture loss and very dry feed can complicate a simple constipation into something life threatening at times. How much easier it is to add the moisture when the food is ingested! Providing fresh water at an appealing temperature and good salt/minerals free choice will go a long way in sustaining good health in horses... A lifetime with them and a career of natural health counseling have made me totally pro-active, and proud of it! When you get used to thinking ahead and being a bit extra aware of your horse's happenings/needs, it gets to be second nature and way less trouble than the alternatives! So, I mention such things to others out of the sincere desire to help horses and their humans. Life is good.

Questions

When our horses lean toward the patch of tall grass when we're leading or riding them - it is a question they are asking: "May I have a bite of this?" - Our answer can be "no" when we direct them promptly away and send them on. Or it can be "maybe" if we do nothing - or even "yes" when we give them the rein or the lead and let them stop to munch. But what we do is an answer to their question and if we allow something and then "change our minds" or realize that suddenly they're doing something (that we allowed) and discipline them for it; we are confusing them and likely frustrating them on many levels. Horses do not know what is right or is wrong - they know what we allow or do not allow. They know what we supply as answers to their many questions each day. It is our responsibility to be clear and consistent!

Or something better...

So, I've applied for many jobs in our area - a consistent income would help right now while Dharmahorse is getting on its feet. Had a nice interview for a job I would have loved, but it went to someone else. Jer says to relax and watch; something better is on the horizon. It's the kind of thing I've always said (sincerely) to friends and clients... I used to be really wise. I knew how to listen and network and help others find their way or find their path. When it comes to me - my mind is jumbled and unsure. I know that Focus is essential to success and I know that Allowing is vital. I seem to be cancelling one out with the other lately! Truth is; I know what my passions are and have never lost sight of them. How do we ride these turbulent waves without getting a little scared or just uneasy? How do we use our innate wisdom for ourselves? All I can figure is that what I love, loves me (horses and nature) and I wouldn't be here if I wasn't supposed to be here. So I'll go feed, muck, water and pick hooves and just trust that something even better is on the horizon! Thanks, Jer.