The buttery glow of a palomino at sunrise. But so much more. It’s his obvious intelligence. His ability to have total awareness of his environment while focusing on us. His choice to engage with us, when his instincts might be wary. The miracle of survival despite his fragility. It’s enough to steal my breath, like … Read more
When people talk about the romance of farming, I think they’ve watched too much TV and read too little Steinbeck. I grew up in a dictatorship. It was a farm in Minnesota ruled by my father. People don’t get rich farming. Decisions were made for our survival, not the animals. We ate what we raised. … Read more
Half-light is that instant of still understanding riding a swell of unbounded mystery. Anna Blake, Infinity Farm. (WordPress Photo Challenge is a weekly prompt to share a photo–I enjoy twisting these macro prompts to share our micro life here on the Colorado prairie. My photos are taken with my phone, on my farm. No psych, … Read more
Is it possible that horses anthropomorphize, too, and see humans in their own reflection?
They aren’t getting any younger. Neither are you.
“There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.” Winston Churchill was certainly right, and some times of the year, more than others. I notice the holiday season has a lot of us wound up just a little tighter. Is your horse a therapy horse? All … Read more
I have a Grandfather Horse. People say he looks good, all things considered. I notice the standard for looking good drops a little more every year, just like his back. The same is probably true for me… He has his very own veal pen at night; a private place he can enjoy his special mush, … Read more
I’ve been thinking about Julie. Cool name, isn’t it? I make no apologies, I was 6 years old and thought it was the best name ever.
I was walking a client out of the arena and doing the end-of-lesson list. I talked about the high points of the ride and things that made a positive difference. She has a wonderful young horse who trusts her and they get better every lesson. She told me that over the years, she had never … Read more
It goes without saying that Duke Ellington is right, about most everything. And even horses agree. But I get ahead of myself. This is how it starts: you’re riding, moving in unison with your horse. You’re fluid, and free- it could be a walk or a gallop, but there is no resistance and it feels … Read more