I was just sending my granddaughter an email and thought this might make a good post for New Years.

When it comes to the end of the year we reflect on the past and make resolutions for the future.  As we come closer to “old age”, I think we reflect back more than look to the possibilities of the future.  There really isn’t that much future left.  I was speaking to a woman the other day who has been carrying emotional baggage since she was four years old, she’s now in her early 60’s.  I told her that she really must be aware that there isn’t that much time left, so she needed to be kinder to herself from now on.  After burying her parents a few years back, the thought that her generation was next to go, hit her.

But I’m not looking for this to be a morbid post, more like a time to sit and think about the people and animals who have made a positive influence on our lives, and what they have taught us.  If the humans are still with us, don’t hesitate to say Thank You, and mention what they have meant to you.  I did that this past summer when I spent time with our youngest son.  I told him some moments that we had spent together that made lasting happy memories that I will keep forever.  He wasn’t aware that they were special to me, but he does now.  When I say simple, I mean just that.  One evening, when Bob fell asleep before dinner, I took my son to an old diner that I had gone to with my parents, when I was his age.  I guess he was around 10 at the time.  We walked into that diner and back in time.  Nothing had changed.  The booths were the same pink vinyl they were 30 years earlier.  The same counters, and juke boxes were present.  The only thing he remembered about that night was that I wouldn’t let him have a chocolate shake (because they always made him sick), but finally let him have it anyway (and he got sick).  I stepped back into my childhood, and in my mind, my parents were there with me.  This became a most precious memory because about 10 years after that it burned down.  It was the OB Diner in Point Pleasant, New Jersey (it stood for Ocean Bay.)  His fondest memory of me, when he was a child, was that I taught him how to fold fitted sheets.  Hello!  Is this a claim to fame or what?  Somehow I was hoping for something more breathtaking.  Actually, he explained that no one had ever taken the time to teach him something that he still uses today. (His wife has thanked me.)  I find that hard to believe since he is operating the same heavy equipment that his father had.  But he’s mentioned the sheet thing several times, so I guess it did have some kind of an impact on him.

But my email to my granddaughter was about the horses that I have loved (that she knew) and what they have left me with.  I will list the lessons I have learned from them, but what I want you to do is to think back and actually acknowledge the wonderful gifts that your horses have given you over the years.  Also with each new horse that you will have in your life, I want you to beware of what they are trying to teach you.  It’s a gift, accept it as such.  Actually it’s more of a blessing.

Lady – I will always take care of you.  Chance – Each horse will help make you a better rider.  Mac (mine) – Trust me, I will give you confidence.  Scarlet – Don’t be repetitious.  Diamond – Set your sights high and go for it.  Shadow – Celebrate life everyday.  Rosie – You don’t have to like everyone.  Chester – Who says I have a disability?  Toy – If you love to do something, do it with all your heart.  Lad – Don’t mess with perfection.  Jiggers – Pay attention at all times.  Wilson – Give me a purpose and I’ll rise to the occasion.  Lily – Don’t count me out until the fat lady sings.  Mac –  Always say Thank You when someone helps you.  Kissie – Just do it. Maggie – Be devoted to the one who matters most.  Desert – Laugh everyday.  Magic – Pay attention and keep things under control.  Savannah – Be a good friend, love your job, and know where you are the happiest.  Indy – Be grateful for a second chance and people who love you.  Zoey – Quiet times together are the best.  Dawn – Snuggle, it feels good.  Friday – No matter how grouchy you feel, smile and say Thank You.  Mikey – Love children, they love you back, and usually have something sweet to eat.  Joey – Don’t ever believe that you don’t matter to someone.

With all the horses I have known, I could go on, and on, and on, but I won’t.

It’s your turn to reflect on what they have taught you.

May you have a Happy, Healthy, New Year, filled with all the good things that horses can bring into your life.