Many thanks to Sonia for contributing this fun reflection!
Every
winter, we board one horse at stable with an indoor arena. It's a luxury that allows my teenage daughter and
me the opportunity to ride and to keep one horse somewhat fit when it is
too wet/cold/slushy/icy/windy to even consider getting a leg over an
overenthusiastic mount who hasn't turned a tire for several months.
Over
the years we have found many fun, user-friendly stables to board with in
Maine. There is always a constantly revolving cast of equally
exuberant horse-crazy women to hang out with and it makes for an
interesting and spiritually uplifting adventure. Always, we are fortunate
enough to connect with some very special horse folks who share our love, sport
and passion. We affectionately call them the Barn Gal Pals.
Most
Saturday mornings, there is a willing crew of Barn Gal Pals who are eager
to spend the afternoon doing "horsey stuff" together after they ride
in the morning. Someone will make last minute 'phone calls the night
before and send emails announcing an outing that cannot be missed the
next day and must be shared by this great group of Barn Gal Pals.
Poof!
A horsey outing is instantly arranged and
Off we will zoom, stacked like
cordwood, struggling to buckle up as we skitter around the corner and out of
the driveway, so we don't miss the first half of the event, with styrofoam
coffee cups sloshing dangerously hot drinks all over our relatively clean
breeches. off we will zoom, stacked like
cordwood, struggling to buckle up as we skitter around the corner and out of
the driveway so we don't miss the first half of the event, with styrofoam
coffee cups sloshing dangerously hot drinks all over our relatively clean
breeches. Whatever the weather we will pile into someone's car and impulsively
blast off to a Clinic, an Open House, a Tack Store, a Trail Ride. And we
always have a great time.
We
Barn Gal Pals are a fortunate group of comrades.
We all
pull together when times are tough, we listen to each other moan, groan,
and cry.
We
occasionally wring our hands, rip out our hair and sweep up after one
another.
We
coach each other ringside and encourage and compliment.
We
help rear each other's teenagers with personal reflections from our
life experiences blended with armchair psychology.
We
compliment inches and pounds lost and smaller riding apparel acquired.
We
post notices about upcoming outings, trail rides, horse shows and wait
eagerly for the other Barn Gal Pals to sign up. Stirrups are
shortened and bits are adjusted.
Tack
is swapped, borrowed, returned cleaner.
Birthdays
are celebrated.
Losses
are mourned.
Cards
are thoughtfully written and surprise parties planned.
Trailers
cheerfully bump into the parking lot on the mornings we head out for
a trail ride.
Acadia is always a big deal, when we depart for our annual
camping outing with enough supplies for a trans-Atlantic crossing.
Acadia is always a big deal, when we depart for our annual
camping outing with enough supplies for a trans-Atlantic crossing.
Snorting horses are loaded with matching purple fleeces and leg wraps and
"OOOH, is that a new halter?"
We
delight in new equipment and baking treats to share when we get to our
destination, whether it be the LL Bean feather bed to keep us from freezing to
death at an overnight campout or some fancy pastries to entice us to smack our
lips after a beach ride. Carrots are divided amongst the pampered
ponies.
We
share with each other. We care about each other.
This
week, one of The Barn Gal Pals was working her new horse in the indoor and
we were excited to see
the mare "catching on" after many months of
loving care and patient training.
"The
moments will come and the moments will get longer," I encouraged The
Barn Gal Pal.
We
share in each other's "moments" and rejoice when "the moments
get longer.” - that simple thought has kept me riding and rejoicing in the love
I have for my horses, my horsey friends and even my teenage daughter.
Enjoy
Every Moment!
Blessed
are The Barn Gal Pals.