How is your January going? Mine has started out like a racehorse leaving the starting gate—ready to give it my best, but sometimes the world around me is a blur. However, today something sweet happened that caused me to hit the pause button and reflect. I’d like to share it with you.
One of the several hats that I wear in my world is that of barn manager at Sweet Pepper Ranch’s boarding operation, where we have 12 horses, half ours and half boarders. I probably don’t need to tell you that it’s a lot of work: 6 to 8 hours a day of hard, physical labor for both Matt and I, which, over the last few months, has also been in the bitter cold. Feeding, filling water buckets, cleaning stalls and paddocks, cleaning feeders and waters, restacking compost, sweeping aisleways, fixing things that break or need replacement like gates or lightbulbs, dragging the indoor arena… The list is literally endless and the job is never done. I look forward to the break between lunch chores and late evening feeding, when I can see to my personal work, including Horses for Clean Water and freelance journalism, or help Matt plan out his activities.
But today, while feeding lunch to the horses and doing noon chores, I listened to the pleasant banter of my boarders, who shared with each other about their lives and their families. They expressed both concerns and successes, all while they thoroughly groomed and tacked up their nice, quiet horses.
It made me think of a much younger me, maybe 30 years ago, when I worked for a natural resource agency that often gave public farm tours. These farm tours showcased mud, manure, and pasture management practices on individual horse properties, as well as any other unique aspects of a business or property, and I was tasked with assessing a potential host farm in Western Washington for an upcoming tour. As we walked around the facility (which had exemplary land management practices), the owner explained that part of her business plan was not only to take good care of the horses and the land, but also to care for the emotional well-being of her clients. She endeavored to do everything she could to keep the facility’s atmosphere supportive and safe. The service she provided was above and beyond what is commonly seen, and it struck me as an awesome responsibility. I remember thinking that someday, I might like to offer similar support to others in some small way.
I was amazed to realize today that the role I had once aspired to was one that I am now living out. I am glad that our clients here feel protected and supported at our facility, safe enough to share their problems and to help each other. It was rewarding to realize that somehow, between all the feeding and cleaning and fixing and freezing, I had realized an ambition set so many years ago.
I hope that Horses for Clean Water can help you realize some of your ambitions for the coming New Year. We have many tools and resources to aid you, including our huge, wonderful library of tips sheets and recorded classes on a variety of horse keeping topics. We also have upcoming education events (some in-person!) and I am available for individual consultations designed to address your unique circumstances..
May your year ahead be mud-free and filled with happy, healthy horses—and people!
Alayne
