Crazy Days Indeed

We are in some insane times, to be sure.
So it is a great moment for us to reflect on what matters, what we're grateful for, and most importantly what we want our future to be.

When it comes to the equine portion of my life these things are abundantly clear.

What matters:

• Having the privilege of being a horse owner
• Knowing that my horse is safe, fed, sound and checked on
• Being able to rely on providers when my horse has an urgent need

What I'm grateful for:

• Having a barn owner that thinks things through, and works to make all parties involved safe and comfortable
• A barn staff that is dedicated to taking care of everything, even when the world is falling apart
• Having a barn community that pitches in to take care of each other and who respects each others comfort zones during this time of uncertainty

What I want in the future:

• To continue my horsemanship journey with this fine group of people that I have met through my barn
• To someday have my own 'place' at home for my horse(s) to come visit/live when necessary
• To have many horsies!!

I don't take any part of my equestrian journey for granted.
I am always aware (even when we aren't in crisis mode) that what my barn owner provides for me, I cannot do for myself.
I am aware that each day with my horse is a blessing, a bonus to life that I did not have before.
I am always in awe of the friends I have made at the barn, they are a tribe of people I have looked for my whole life and I will always be appreciative to have them.
I am humbled by all of the support and guidance that goes into every aspect of being an owner, and how the community I have makes all of it possible.
I am thrilled when I get to help others to enjoy their experience with horses, and I feel a sense of duty to make sure we are all safe in our horse adventures.

I am following groups from across the world and I see that so many barns are closing their doors to their boarders, canceling lessons and some are struggling to decide if they will close for good.

I fear that reality, but I stand by whatever decisions my barn owner makes. I know that she has the best intentions for the safety and well being of both the humans and horses.
I will do everything I can to cherish every moment I can get with my horse, will do my part to keep the barn as contagion free as possible, and will do what is needed to support an environment where I know my horse is kept happy, healthy and looked after.

It might mean giving up riding, or giving up visits, but I know that as long as my community sticks together there will be light at the end of this tunnel, and that light will guide us to the sound of pounding hooves,  boisterous giggles and the relaxing sighs that we only utter in the presence of horses.

I have traveled chunks of this world and experienced some amazing things and I can tell you that it is nearly impossible to find any place more relaxing than the barn my horse calls home.
I know that if we do all we can to protect our sanctuary, that we will get to experience all it's gifts again in the future.
So here's to social distancing, giving up what isn't essential, and vigorous hand washing to save lives.

Pistol is happy as long as there is grain involved!

Stay safe everyone, you all matter, and you mean a great deal to so many!