Being Open to Joy Despite the Pain – One Girl’s Resilient Story

The old adage, what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger, comes to mind every time I lay my eyes on Spring. Not spring the season – although after surviving this past winter, perhaps that too. The Spring I am referring to, is a miniature horse who became part of my equine family in the summer …

Riding into the New Year

Carving out some time on a precious day off, I tacked up Grace and rode her out of the barnyard. Spring called out for the large mare as we left, still quite attached to her adoptive Mom. Grace seemed ready for an adventure and took little notice of the vocal miniature horse. The air was crisp …

Bite Back to Reality

The smallest horse in my barn continues to teach me the biggest lessons. It was early morning a week or so after my husband Aquila’s surgery. He was starting to regain mobility, but still far from being able to help with farm chores. I had taken time off to help him recover, but I was …

A Call For Generosity

The night air was thin and sharp, a deep winter cold making the trees pop. It had been a long day working under horses, barely keeping enough circulation to feel my fingers as I clutched my metal farrier tools. Finally home, I sat by the woodstove, slowly thawing; I had no desire to go back …

Great Things Come in Small Packages

  The feistiest horse in my barn stands level to my knees. Last week, I was preparing the horses’ dinner, allowing my mind to settle into the tranquil state of being around my wonderful equine family. I carefully measured out grains and supplements, each meal individually tailored to the needs of our varied herd. I …

Fall is Here, and so is Spring

Sometimes a tragedy can blossom into a beautiful next chapter. Several years ago, my horse Grace suffered a terrible loss. Before I became her human, she was sold in foal from the RCMP Musical Ride to one of my clients. This would have been her third baby, which she would have mothered beautifully like the others. She would …