End of Season Resting

   This time of the year reminds me of cooler nights, pumpkin spice coffee,  less flies in the barn, and winding down from the show season.

Just chilling.  Credit: pixabay

  Tis the Season:

    For those of us who have seen more than 2 decades of the fall season, know that going with the flow means winding down, thinking of the up coming winter and what needs to be done.  And reflecting on our horse goals and accomplishments this past year. I remember that by this time of the year I was tired of showing. I know my horse was too.  I looked forward to just chilling and going to the All American Quarter Horse Congress in Ohio.  About 9 years ago, I wrote an article about my return to the Congress after many years. Those experiences are always unforgettable. Quite the adventure. (I'll leave it at that :) Note to self: I guess I will never stop being so naive.

Are you or your horse needing a rest from an injury?

    At 65, bringing in the hay by myself for this winter was really hard on me.   Those of us horse people with some age who have aching body parts from previous horse accidents can find chores hard. Briefly, about 12+ years ago, I traded a horse with a customer and wasn't informed of the 'bronco' status. I got on the horse for the first time, tried loping it and 'famous last words' knew that something was off and needed to stop immediately. At that very same second, I was very violently bucked off.  I cracked my helmet (now garbage) and broke some ribs as a starter. My neighbour graciously took me to the hospital. I was banged up in several places and it took me many months to recover.  This in a large part was what made me decide to close up my training business. In my 50s, I didn't want to take a chance on customers lying to me any more.  I ended up selling the horse to the rodeo guys and made them sign a statement so they were aware of the horse's bucking skills. BTW, the horse did change careers and become a cattle horse.

 When Your Horse Needs a Rest:

   My old mare is 24. I saw a Facebook reel from the American Quarter Horse Association reminding people that registered horses once they reach the age of 25 are presumed dead and are taken off the registry. I think I will setup a reminder for myself for next year to let AQHA know my mare is still alive (if she does make it that far).

Credit: Pixabay

 Unexpected Happenings:

   I was burning some garage this past spring and as I was placing some paper garbage, I stepped off a porch wrong and I heard a 'crunch'.

My ankle crunch

   Speaking of crunch, the fall leaves this year are not going to be as spectacular as they've been in past years. Oh well. Just a great time to rest and smell the coffee.

 Putting My Spin on Resting for Different Reasons

Reinersue

@KISS Reiners

 

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