Thoughts From Outside The Paddock by Kate Perez

Thoughtful Tuesday: May 24th, 22

Do you ever get the feeling that you absolutely do NOT want to do adult things? Don’t want to attend meetings, or have adult conversations, or finish those assignments, review that important paperwork. It’s just not in the cards to be self motivated, you just don’t wanna. First off, totally acceptable to feel that way. I’d say “normal” but who’s to say what that is? Don’t fall into being a harsh critic to your feelings, you are free to experience any emotion whatsoever! It’s the actions that matter most. In my experience, setting rewards for myself is key, I get presents for being a good adult. It might be a Dunkin iced coffee, or a 20 minute walk, or a 30 min nap! Just a little something to motivate me to do the adulting. Everyone is encouraged to find those little gifts, something to get through those rough adulting days. You deserve to treat yourself.

Horse Illustrated published an article back in February 2015 briefly summarizing why people love horses. First item listed is that our horses are always happy to see us, and I’ll tell ya reader, that is spot on. 

I remember my first horse, named Junior, who would always give a soft nicker or an excited toss of the head whenever he saw me. And the feeling was completely mutual, though I refrained from tossing my head and nickering. The bond with a horse is something completely unique, separate from what can be created between man and any other mammal. I’ve bonded with cats and dogs in my lifetime, Lord knows just how many I brought home while volunteering at the local animal shelter. And while they have been fulfilling in their own right, Junior was something different. I felt that he could ‘speak’ to me in a way that was more precise, more in tune, and more truthful than with anyone or anything else in my little world. 

You can’t bullshit a horse. You can’t put on a smile and say everything is okay when it’s not. Horses can sense your emotions before you even step outside of your car. If your emotions are tumultuous, and you find yourself unable to identify what is spinning around in your brain to a point where the anxiety is nearly making you nauseous( if this sounds like personal experience, it’s because it is), spend some time in the company of a horse.

The first reaction the horse may give is rising their head above their withers, they might show the whites of their eyes, they might become jittery and unable to stand still. At that moment, you know that you’ve been found out. In that moment you are truly seen. That horse is able to look past the façade and into the truth of your heart.

For me it was a visceral experience, when I saw Junior show agitation in my company I instinctually grounded myself. I needed him to know that he was safe, and all that nasty energy I was giving off wasn’t a message of impending doom. He was safe. I became calm. We were okay.

   
Horses and happy memories are bedfellows in my opinion. Similar to going to a Mexican restaurant, I am never sad when I’m in the company of horses…or tacos.