Thanksgiving is the time of year when we seem to get a brief reprieve in the busy-ness of life. The summer chores, horse shows and events have slowed and we can catch our breath for a minute before we delved into the madness of the holidays.
By Sarah E. Coleman
As horse people, we are innately tied into the rhythm of the seasons; of the coming of spring and shedding season; of the heat of summer and stockpiling hay in preparation of cold weather to come; and of the cold as it comes and how our horses prepare themselves for the chill. We are blessed to be in nature, to see the beauty that surrounds us and to deeply love another creature. This holiday is a wonderful time of year to sit and reflect on the past year and be thankful for all that has been brought to us, and to look ahead with hope and optimism.
In the spirit of thankfulness, we asked MSEDA members: What are you most thankful for with regards to horse sand farm life?
My horses are truly my therapy. I am happiest when riding and a bad day is made better after sitting on my horse. They are my church pew. -- Molly DePerna
Friends made with other horse-crazies. -- Marie Petroni
My daughter has learned so much through riding I can’t name them all to be thankful for. -- Michelle Metcalf
Other horse owners are thankful for a plethora of things. These include:
Barn kitties! – Melissa King
The pure unadulterated joy and love he brings me. Especially now with everything going on in my life, he is my everything. – Lori White
The fact that it’s an instant group of friends/family every time you move to a new place where you know no one. – Marion Maybank
Centeredness. Gratitude. Learning to be vulnerable. – Carli McKelvey
Horses took me from little old New Zealand to travel the world and eventually settle in my childhood dream state SPECIFICALLY Lexington! I owe them everything. – Emma Lyster
I am thankful horses are the reason I see the beautiful farm sunrise, every day. I am thankful for the friends and career they’ve brought me. I am thankful horses have taught (and constantly remind me) to be more patient, always seek more knowledge, and always look to improve. What I like about the equestrian lifestyle? The saddlepads, definitely! – Kimberly McCormack
I was finally able to start taking lessons when I turned 30. Before those lessons, I only rode Western for one summer as a young teen. I knew it would be expensive. I knew I was already so behind the game due to starting so late in life and never sitting in an English (barely there!) saddle. I also knew that this was my chance to realize a lifelong dream, even if I would only be able to do it, at most, 60 minutes a week. Flash forward to 8 years later, I am so thankful for my trainers who taught, pushed and yelled at me and told me that I COULD do it. I am so thankful for all the friends and connections I have made because of riding. It is a community that I'm proud to be a part of. I am thankful for my beautiful mare that, after 2.5 years of owning her, I still can't believe is mine. I am thankful for my ribbons, no matter what color, that remind me of how far I've come and of the goals that I still want to achieve. I am thankful for my husband who fully supports my habit. Riding has enriched my life in ways that I never would have expected. – Sarah Seitz
Horses give me relief from my anxiety (believe it or not). When I had to take a break to have my son, it was the worst time in my life mental-health wise. Now that I'm back in it, I can't go without. I missed them so much and they have saved me so many times. – Drew Kemerling
On the list of bazillion things I'm thankful for I am most grateful for all the people I meet through the barn and horses. My very best friendships in the world all began around a horse. – Tracy Walling
