Happy (belated) New Year!

By Gayle Carline
Horse Woman and Resolution Maker

I inserted "belated" into my title because I was supposed to post this on Saturday and didn't. You kids are probably too young to understand this, but as you grow older, you get Toddler Syndrome. I prefer this to Old Timer's Disease. 

I'm not forgetful. I just get distracted by shiny toys.

A new year means a lot to me. New possibilities, fresh hope, optimism at its peak. Of course, there are resolutions made, to be healthier, more organized, etc. Hopefully, you have some kind of resolution to have more fun, maybe be kinder to yourself, as well as others.

I've read lots of articles that talk about making resolutions for your horses. Personally, I think horses should make their own resolutions. All kidding aside, I think it's hard to make resolutions when it comes to my horses. When Snoopy was 4, I resolved to get him qualified to go to the AQHA World Invitational Show. Then he broke his leg.

My resolution was tossed aside and replaced with prayers for his recovery. One fused joint, one metal plate, six screws, and three years later, he finally did.

For the past few months, I've been dealing with Snoopy being off with his bionic leg. Not what you'd call lame, but just short-striding on the foot. The vet thought he had tweaked the deep flexor tendon, so we went through some medications and physical therapy. The tendon healed, but then the weather got cold and seemed to affect the leg.

He's coming along, slowly, and his attitude is still sassy. But what kind of goals can I set, apart from the goal of enjoying him every day, no matter what?

Do any of you have resolutions, horsey or non-horsey? I'd be interested in knowing what they are!