Check out Laura's post today on goals.
I must say that since I was unexpectadly downsized to one horse, I do feel less guilt. I don't feel guilty if I don't ride, there's always tomorrow. If I want to spend time grooming, I do because there isn't another horse in it's pen demanding my attention. I go a little slower. It's no longer a rush to and from the manure pile when cleaning pens. I only have to clean one pen and stopping to scratch a wither is not going to keep me from achieving the day's "goal" of having both pens clean. I don't want to worry about giving equal time and effort to each horse. I don't want my horses to become another job.
I'm not getting another horse until I can keep this feeling peace and carefree attitude I have now. Which means my second horse probably won't be an endurance horse. Horses are my hobby. I don't want to feel rushed and stressed all the time. I want to slow down and breathe deeply.
That sounds like a great goal to me! It's surprising how easily the seconded horse goes for an extra opportunity to an extra obligation. I'm so happy now that Arwen is strong and healthy again (no longer in foal and about to wean her foal!) and although we have four horses on the compound, I am honestly thrilled to have one horse, one priority.
ReplyDeleteYes, I think there is something to the saying that a cavalry trainer kept saying: One horse, one person. That is how to achieve the relationship that I am craving.
ReplyDeleteI know how you feel. Dixie and I have accomplished more in the last three weeks than we did in the three months before.
ReplyDeleteMy mom doesn't understand why I don't want a horse-related job. They are my unjob. It's important to me that horses are strictly fun, strictly recreation, not something I'm paid to worry about.
I am going to enter vet school in 2011 - as a food animal vet, NOT equine. Every seems so shocked when I tell them this! I will NOT sacrifice one of my greatest joys on this earth!
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