With the holiday season in full swing, it is important to remember what we are thankful for amid the craziness of planning and shopping. For me, this past summer was rough, riding-wise. My horse went lame at the very beginning of last season, and then started to come back later in the season only to have another issue pop up and diminish my hope even more. There were definitely more times than I would like to admit when I questioned if any of it was worth my time and efforts, times where I thought it might be easier to just give up. Something that helped me through those times without a horse to ride was a list. On my list were some small, simple moments that I enjoy involving horses (besides actually riding a horse, since I couldn’t do that at the time). They were things that gave me a warm feeling inside. Things that when I read them, I couldn’t help but smile because I could pinpoint an exact moment in my life that’s engraved in my memory, because at that moment, everything in my life was perfect, and I felt totally, completely present. I hope this list can inspire you to keep going through the tough times with horses (because you know as well as I do that we have all been there one too many times.) Hopefully it can remind you of the little things that are oftentimes overlooked because they are such small moments in time, but they need to be remembered because they are so influential to our motivation. 

1. Watching the sunrise on a quiet, early morning at the barn

2. The satisfying moment when you are done cleaning all of your tack

3. Knowing that you are done with your chores and the horses are happy after sweeping the barn aisle for the night

4. Your horse trotting up to see you in the field

5. When your horse loses a shoe and the farrier is able to come in an hour

6. The many rides, inside jokes, and stories you share with barn friends (who are more like family)

7. The moment when your horse finally smiles on command after weeks of teaching him

8. Hand-grazing- although it usually means you can’t ride, the quiet time you get to spend on the ground with your horse is irreplaceable

9. Crying into your horse’s neck while he calmly stands there, seemingly knowing that you need his patience at that moment

10. When someone generously offers their own horse to you for you to ride when your horse is out for the season, and you are reminded of what a strong group of support you have behind you

Please leave a comment if you have any other special moments that keep you going when things get tough.