09/23/2021
Had a late night with the horses last night. They are my favorite nights, everything is quiet and serene. Had some time to sit and just count my blessings, even when at first glance they may seem anything but that.
This past year with my horses has been a bit rough. We battled injuries and set backs and I spent most of the summer with a lunge line in my hand, instead of my butt in the saddle. But there is always a silver lining.
A few years ago Belle got a severe case of pneumonia that took about year to recover from. There were many times when we didn’t even know if she would be “useable” again, let alone a performance horse. I prayed every day for God to miraculously heal her, and sought out different vets and alternative therapies. The big man upstairs came through in a big way and she blew me away a year later placing in the 2D against some nice horses her first time entered. It’s still hard to watch videos of when she was sick, and see how terrible she looked. Most times today it’s easy to forget how far she has come, and that she ever had a breathing issue.
When she got diagnosed with a injury this spring I was disappointed that we again were facing a setback. I feel very fortunate to be working with a vet who is extremely attentive to detail, and has real protocols to rehab horses and not just put a bandaid on the problem. She is making amazing progress from where we were this spring and each workout I feel her getting stronger and more cadenced. While it would be nice to head to Champ Show and feel like we’re ready to lay down a smokin run, I don’t think we’re there 100% yet. In years past this would have made really disappointed and feel like “what’s the point.” Maybe it’s having a child and realizing that life is so much bigger than my riding aspirations or maybe it’s growth as a horsewoman, but whatever the reason is I’m totally at peace just going for the experience and to cheer on my friends and students. I’m excited to expose my horse to the hustle and bustle of the fair grounds experience, and just let her set the pace. However fast or slow that might be.
I’ve learned so many things from injuries and setbacks. If I never had a horse with an abscess, I wouldn’t know how to idenetify and treat one. If I never had a horse with ulcers, I wouldn’t know how stress, nutrition, environment and at times pain affect the GI system and how to treat it. If I never had a horse with pneumonia I wouldn’t have spent literally days of my life researching treatments, and trying different therapies. If I never had a horse with a back injury I would be ignorant on that importance of saddle fit, proper strengthening for longevity, and the big symptoms of problem areas. The list literally goes on and on.
So as I finish up my last lessons tonight before Champ show this weekend, I can’t help but be thankful for all the hidden blessings in my life! They have educated me, grown my patience, expanded my empathy for the horses, and have given me more insight and knowledge to share with others. Good luck to all the competitors this week at Champ Show! Enjoy every moment with your equine partner 😊
