Horsing Around

I’m thinking I’ve used this title, or one similar, to a post before. So forgive me. Having an interest in horses makes it a frequent subject on the blog and my creative juices are pretty minimal this morning.

For several weeks I’ve been meaning to do an update on what I’m doing these days. I finished working at the orchard October 31st and wasn’t sure at the time what I’d be going onto next. I had an interview with an equine vet and was both excited and apprehensive about possibly getting the job. They were wanting somebody who would be working often on the weekends (or at least close enough to come do feedings a.m. and p.m.) and I wasn’t too excited to be tied down most weekends since our lifestyle is pretty active on weekends. The experience with horses in a medical setting would’ve been really neat so I was bummed it didn’t work out but also grateful that we don’t have to consistently compromise our weekend plans.

I had mentioned the interview to the lady in charge of the stables where I’ve been volunteering and when I went to leave that day she offered me a job there. Initially I had told them I was interested in working there but they responded with volunteer opportunities so that’s what I had pictured the stables as. When she said that she had some work to offer I was excited but also had my concerns. Turns out that that’s where I’m at. It’s exciting and it’s requiring a fair amount of trust.

Without giving too much detail I’ll just say that I’m not sure how long-term this job is. As of now I’m not getting as many hours as I’d like and there’s a possibility of things picking up but also the possibility they won’t. In the meantime I’m trying to remember that great things can happen in humble ways. As often they do.

Sometimes I have to push myself to get excited about going, but when I get there and see the children it’s such a beautiful thing. One example would be a girl I work with who has deformed hands and mostly dysfunctional arms. She can barely bend her legs causing her to wobble when she walks. Yet she is smart, funny, cute, and sensitive. In her own wonderful way she pets, grooms, leads, and rides an old Morgan horse. The first time we put her on the horse she had a hard time sitting straight but after a few sessions she has improved by leaps and bounds; she now sits tall and rides twice as long as she could at first. We play games, we laugh, and we love. The way she looks at the horse with deep, soulful eyes is enough to convince me that what happens at the stables is worth my time and energy.

She is only one person who has been touched by the stables and I have heard testimonies from parents and instructors about other riders who are benefiting from the horse therapy that happens there.

In other news, I have one piano student which has been a good challenge as it’s my first ever piano student. Speaking of piano, Christmas music (and decorating!) has been on my mind for a few weeks. Speaking of Christmas, I’m certainly looking forward to the family time approaching with the holidays. Speaking of the holidays, my next post might be about Thanksgiving!