Introduction

I read somewhere that you’re not really living unless you do something that scares you, every day.

Well, today, I’m livin’ it up.  I’ve gone from reading “What is a blog?” an hour ago, to wanting to reach out to you, here and now.  Besides, if I think about it, I’ll get scared and change my mind.

 

So, why do it?

 

Because I know that just as I was born to ride, I was born to write.

As a girl, even when I was in trouble, the voice inside me was rising above, turning it into a story.  The worse things got, the more worthwhile my suffering because it would make for a better read!  Don’t get me wrong, I did not grow up in hardship.  My days were filled with all the senses of a budding, life long love affair.  Like so many of you, horses were a part of who I was.

 

First, though, a word of warning.  This is not a manual on horsemanship or good gardening, philosophy or the state of the world.

 

This blog will be a journal of sorts, made up of ordinary days in the life of a woman who eats too much, rarely darkens the church or gym doors, sweeps her crumbs under the rug, lies about flossing and beds down with any one of her husband, cat or dog.  She collects old clocks and horses, working well and otherwise.  Most importantly, she no longer makes New Years resolutions.  I mean, what would be the point?

 

After forty-five years in the saddle, my horsemanship has gone down many paths.  I’ve been both a keen student and a reluctant teacher, in just about every equine discipline under the sun.  I’ve given up riding when things got too hard, just as I’ve picked it up again.  I’ve made it through motherhood, farm and ranch life, grave illness, to running a very modest training and sales program.  While doing so, it’s been brought to my attention that many people would rather read about my horses, than ride or buy them.

 

While plugging away at schooling the horses and ponies that make up my program, I tend to either celebrate or console myself with writing about it at days’ end.

 

Somehow, learning to live well has become a part of learning to ride better.

Many of these stories and pictures originally appeared on Keystone Equine’s facebook page @livingwellridingbetter. On this page, I’ve journaled about my work and life with horses.  The pictures have been generously shared by friends… or pulled from the far reaches of my sock drawer… or the boxes under the stairs… or even the door of the fridge.  I hope they sit well with you.

 

So let’s think. Feel. Ride.

Horsemanship, as we age, can involve facing fear after illness or injury. It’s about honouring the old dreams and being open to new realities. I’ve been there.  My mantra is now ‘living well and riding better’. This goal has been an evolution and I’d love for you to join me!

 

So, let’s get started.  We’ll gather our reins, put our foot in the stirrup and swing up there.  We’ll settle happily, take a deep breath and say, “Walk on…”

 

By the way, I may as well admit it. I’m trying to build my email list to offer books and get help with reading chapters and reviews in the future. You are my tribe! Rather than fill your face with pop-ups on the blog page, please, I’d be so grateful if you’d trust me with your email and subscribe. Thank you!