NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

I never do "New Year’s resolutions" because they so rarely mean much after the first month. This year is different. Maybe it’s age, or experience, or harder times; but it’s different. The only certain thing about life truly is change. We either learn to deal with it or fall apart. But you can’t do much about it. So here is my plea for all of us in this New Year -- let’s all treat each other more kindly. Let’s be considerate of each other’s feelings and how we affect each other. Let’s try to honestly uplift each other and help each other out within reason and intelligently. Let’s all "just try to get along."

I’ve had many friends that have had a personal loss that was tragic and with long lasting results, but this year it happened to me. I

 have learned that they were right; it changes you. I’m trying to learn from the changes I am dealing with and improve myself as a result. Here are a few of my conclusions: Appreciate what you have. As a horse owner, I find myself much more attached to my "kids." We are SO lucky to have them these days. Instead of being so driven towards a goal when riding, we have to realize that each horse and rider team needs whatever time it takes for them to maintain the partnership. There is no timeline that has to be met when you are an amateur -- that’s the great thing! It’s OK to stay at a level for a while longer if you haven’t mastered an issue that should not be overlooked in order to move on. Since helmets are "it" now, you don’t have to get to that tophat as quickly anymore! Forgive yourself when you screw it up, get lots of (good) help and try another way, if needed. It will only improve you in the long run. The best riders don’t necessarily have the biggest egos. They are open to ideas and they find what is in the horse’s best interest to get where they need to go.

My second conclusion is to try to help each other out more. The era of "It’s all about me!" has to end. It has gotten this country into enough of a mess and cannot continue. Let’s try to help out each other in life, business and outlook. We are bombarded with sale frenzies and doing whatever it takes to get the cheapest price, etc., to the point of absurdity. Guess what will happen to your local retailer if he/she never makes a profit? I try to find local artisans and American products whenever possible. In my store, I have changed the focus to finding only the products that are worth the money that they cost. We are all just trying to make a living; let’s relax the frenzy a bit, be more careful, but supportive. Live by example, not by words.

In regards to my sport and showing, my conclusion is this: I do this because it is a disease I was born with! If I can’t ride for an extended time or smell a horse, I’m not fun to be around! It is my sanity and my love. I am so lucky to have a best friend in my husband and partner, but until we met, it was my furry friends that kept me going. Those who share my affliction understand this. We show because it’s a fun time to gather with friends, learn things that you cannot learn at home or in a lesson, and support our chosen sport. Unfortunately, unlike our friends that barrel-race or rope, we don’t usually get a lot of prizemoney, but our rewards come in other ways. When you go to a show, try to focus on the good parts. Yes, it’s expensive and yes, we don't always agree with the judges, but let’s try to encourage each other and be there to assist instead of criticizing. I know I am as guilty as anyone else in this -- my resolution is to change it!

So, in conclusion, if you haven’t already fallen asleep, we are so lucky to have and enjoy our horses. Don’t ever forget -- even when they are a royal pain in the ***; we have those days, too! Help each other out and look out for each other as much as we worry about ourselves. Enough said.

Happy riding!