I see my horses every day, twice a day in fact, but I don't really spend time out in the barn like I used to. I mean, I am so busy working, chasing kids, running, managing life. Right? So it's quickly out to feed in the morning before racing out the door to school and the office. Darting out between starting dinner and eating it. I have minimized my feeding routine and often even find myself jogging out to the barn and back like every second I am away matters. Quickening my daily "chores." The longest time I have spent out at the barn in the last 4 months has been for unloading hay or clearing and spreading manure with the tractor.
I think the horses are still happy. They are
Two weeks ago, I went out to hop on the tractor for some major fall manure clean-up. Taking advantage of a good weather day. I was driving the tractor around and Handy Man came outside and offered to help. He is MUCH more efficient on the tractor (not that I can't get the job done.) I was super excited because this allowed me to do a few other deferred maintenance items I had on my mental check list. Check the fence and hot wire. Clean out the auto-water tank. Mend a gate. Adjust the round pen...
When I was done, I was just kind of standing there watching Handy Man buzz around the paddock and old long ears, Henry, interrupted my stare. His feisty eye watched me as he invaded my space and begged for a scratch. I gave him a quick pat on the neck, a scratch behind the ear, and retreated back to the tack room looking for something else to fix or "do" while I waited for Handy Man to finish.
I was moving my grooming tote - left out from who knows when - and I realized just that... who knows when was the last time I even brushed them.
Terrible. Pathetic.
I grabbed a metal curry and went out to the paddock, finding Henry still standing where I had left him. I began to silently brush him.
It was like a silent calling card and I watched as the other four hoofed souls began slowly migrating our way. They encircled us, each patiently waiting their turn and longing to be touched, acknowledged and shown affection.
One after another, nose to tail on each side I brushed them. I smiled as their body language and facial expressions - yes, they have facial expressions - changed when I would hit that sweet spot. A little head tilt, slack ear and squint of an eye. They loved this. They missed this. I missed this.
I miss how "in tune" and "connected" I used to be with these animals.
But it wasn't just the horses enjoying our "missed time" in the barn. I spotted Boji basking in the sun just outside of the stall. He has always loved the barn. "Let's go feed horses" is the equivalent of, "Lets go for a car ride." I realized I have even neglected the companionship he has given me each morning and night when he accompanies me out to feed.
It's not just killing two birds with one stone - feed the horses and give Boji time to do his "business" outside. It's time spent in that quiet space of humbling, soul clearing, breath of fresh air that starts your day and completes your day. Man's best friend at your side.
When did they just become hay burners?
When did he become just the dog?
When did I stop being a horsewoman?
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