02/11/2024
So much information you can gain from observing. This sums up our morning routine perfectly. 💕
MORNING CHORES…
Are among my favourite times with the horses. We fall into a routine where, without too much planning and more the repetition of doing, all the extra steps and time needed are pared to a minimum. The horses know what to expect from us and we aim to deliver.
I never just put out the feed and leave. Well, I leave them alone but I don't just walk away to the next thing.
There is a winding up of strings, a sweeping up and checking of the salt and waterers but also, the wise horse(wo)man stands and watches. Listens. She, or he, is looking for injuries gained during the night, certainly, but there is more. So often, the beginning of colic or illness can be intuited while watching our horses feed.
I am walking along, looking for sameness. Any differences in behaviours, feeding patterns, or even friendships are noted.
Was there any hay left over from last night? Is there usually, or is it always hoovered up to a fare thee well? Was the stall churned up, any more than usual? Are the water buckets bone dry, or untouched? Is one particular horse looking warmish, or downright sweaty? Are they chewing without quidding their feed and spitting it out? Are they squabbling more than they should?
I do all this without really thinking about it. It’s just as natural an observation as it is, driving my car in traffic. We take note; we may, or may not, take action. Most days, after watching and observing, seeing our horses tuck into their breakfasts with gusto, we can turn back to the house, or the office, for a welcome cup of coffee. Most days, we can take pleasure in the sameness of it all.
When it comes to horse keeping, it’s the unexpected excitement that just about does us in.
These two always make me smile. No matter how many horses there are to feed, no matter how many flakes of hay we fork out, Cinnabar and Pamela share. Their noses almost touching, their eyes half-mast, it’s not an exciting picture but I thought they were a heartwarming sight on a Sunday morning.
As their pile of hay dwindles, Cinnabar will tell Pam to move along, as he always does. There is no drama or hard feelings when this moment is over, it's just time for you to leave, he says. And so, she does.
She’ll join him again, tomorrow.
I hope it’s a lovely day for you, my friends. Observe the ordinary rituals as you start your day. Pay attention and relax into the beautiful sameness of it all.
