The Christmas spirit...

One thing that I've discovered, an infallible and absolute truth, is that people who love animals and have a passion for them are good people. What an obtuse and simple comment! you might be thinking to yourself right now. Ok, I'll delve deeper for fear of rapidly declining interest. Animal lovers have hearts that are as deep as the Grand Canyon and their kindness can usually not be harnessed. That's why things like neglect to a defenseless and innocent animal can strike so poignantly right to the heart...why Gretchen has a difficult time saying "No" to a horse in need, even when the barn is full and expenses are high...why people like Cowboy and Jennifer, who make their paid living working with horses, will take a selfless and unpaid moment to help out someone like me ("me? Help? Why just because I firmly believe that loving on Tuff and feeding him an endless supply of apples will make him behave?? No, I couldn't possibly need help!") and devote precious time and energy to a "rogue" rescue horse who has very likely never known that kind of attention until now...

My peace often comes from time spent at the barn, quiet time grooming Tuff and the other horses. An unexpected break of warm sunlight engulfed the barn today and I took the opportunity to take a leisurely walk around the property with Tuff by my side. It's just a bonus when the time spent with those of the two-legged variety (a.k.a. humans) is a blessing to the spirit as well. There's an intangible comfort that comes from standing with them - knowing that although you come from different backgrounds and are at completely different levels of equestrian experience, you share a common and unshakeable bond in the love of these creatures.

Inaugural Tuff ride today! I hesitated, but Cowboy urged me on... only his second day being ridden since he was awarded a clean bill of health. That's one year of inactivity which, for a horse, is not good. But you wouldn't know it, watching him out there today. At certain moments, such as walking into the round pen to lead him out, I'm struck by how magnificent and beautiful he is. There have been moments that it has literally stolen my breath away and I've thought - he couldn't be more amazing. But today he proved me wrong again... watching him prance around the arena under the sure and steady hand of Cowboy, my heart was bursting with pride. Jennifer was amazed at how far he's come and made this stunning but true observation - "At any other barn, he wouldn't have made it this far...he would have been put down. But he's come such a long way." And I'm so thankful for that and thankful that he wasn't given up on... And I know if he could express it, he'd be saying thank you too.