Tuesday, January 13, 2015

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!

4 comments:

lytha said...

If I'd had a kilo of carrots in my arms, I'd stumble forward until it was very easy for him to remove my burden.

Gayle Carline said...

Lytha, he'd be happy to take care of that for you! He loves carrots, apples, and peppermints.

Alison said...

Gayle,
I am sorry to hear about Snoopy--what a story that would make--how you are helping him deal with a broken leg and all the healing and problems that come with it. I'd love to hear more . . .
And if it ends up that Snoopy will be a trail horse, he will be the handsomest one in the woods. (And probably love it.)

Gayle Carline said...

Alison, Snoopy did write his story, all about the horse he thought he was going to be, and the horse he ended up being after the injury. It's called FROM THE HORSE'S MOUTH: ONE LUCKY MEMOIR

We do competitive (AQHA) trail, and will hopefully show this year.

Snoopy in the woods would be a crazy experience - he wants to taste everything he encounters!