We’re feeling grateful that we added blankets to some of the horses we usually leave “naked” – it all depends upon their age, whether or not they grow much winter coat and if they are special needs…
I woke to the mountain shrouded in clouds and the air full of mist. Cold mist. We fed extra hay last night. They had bran/herb mashes yesterday. Our Thanksgiving was warm and cheerful with fake turkey, wine and pumpkin pie. It is really starting to feel like winter, even though we have another month to go before it’s official.
The high desert can have weather swings several times in one day. We are always “on alert” with this large herd of varied ages, body condition and compromised health. It’s never easy, but it is always gratifying. It is always worth it. They matter.
I think about the elders (horses, dogs and humans) that I care for… when I blanket 30 year old Gita, I cry, thinking about how someone dumped her, blind and starving in the desert. I wonder if she thinks about it, too, now that she is plump, warm, with her own stall and safe pen and unlimited love. I hope she only dwells on the present. On comfort. On love.
I would likely be a more centered person if I could let go of the knowing of cruel acts and dire situations these animals faced. But I would probably not have as much compassion without knowing these things… Today is a quiet, damp day with the opportunity for introspection. I will use it wisely.
Stablewomen 