With the elderly residents there are often age-related issues that arise. As mentioned in recent blogs there are also end of life issues to deal with. On top of all of the problems mentioned above there are the usual things that come along with caring for horses. From time to time you have injuries, illness, etc. All of this means that as enjoyable as I find it to spend my days with horses it is so easy for your stress level to constantly remain elevated.
Through the years I've learned to not stress over things nearly as much as I used to when it comes to horses. Using up your energy stressing and fretting doesn't help anything and just makes any situation more difficult. In general I find that horse owners tend to have a very high stress level when it comes to their horses. Even when things are going well there is always something to worry about, from making sure the farrier is doing a good job to sifting through the 10 billion different supplements that you can order from SmartPak. If it rains you can worry if your horse got turned out that day, or if he pulled a shoe, etc. If your horse is hurt you worry if they're going to come back completely sound. If you are going to a horse show you can take your pick of things to worry about!
For all of the horse people currently worrying, fussing, fretting and over-thinking something take a moment to repeat the Serenity Prayer:
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.
I find it very useful to remind myself of this on a regular basis. Otherwise it would be too easy to be a walking, breathing ball of stress all the time. I can't fix every horse, I can't save every horse, I can't keep horses from doing stupid things sometimes. I can provide reasonable care and facilities.
I hope everyone enjoys their horses this weekend - remember we do this for fun!
___________________________________
Lucky and Slinky having a grooming session
Darby
Dutch
Wiz and Fuzzy
Chili and Sebastian
O'Reilly, Thor and Slinky
Rocky and Tiny
Rampal, Stormy and Johnny grazing in the early morning sunshine
Asterik
Faune and Winston
Chimano and Fonzi
Posts
4 comments:
How is Miracle doing?
All of the photos you post of your old guys certainly illustrate the idea of serenity. We all, who have horses, know better: if they can find a way to get hurt, they will. And age-related issues are obviously always in the forefront for you. But your attention to their care, and the compassion you bring to their passing, when it is time, is obvious.
I came across the Serenity Prayer twenty four years ago and I have been saying it ever since. It sure helps a lot in numerous situations. Quite often however, I forget to say it when I need it. Thanks!
That is my favorite quote/saying of all times. I've been reapeating that many many many times a day lately, and it certainly helps, until something else pops up.
My version:
God grant me serenity because people never change
Courage to deal with those difficult people
and Wisdom to deal with the truly unruly
I work in HR - I get to deal with LOTS of difficult people!
Post a Comment