If you happen to visit my horse barn on a cold, wet and windy Texas morning you will be amazed to find people of all ages, sizes and professions doling out gallons of fresh feed, water and many pounds of hay to the 20 plus horses who have taken up residence here at County Line Equestrian Center. What is more attention getting is that we all seem to be unaware of the temperature or of the fact we are all wearing less than stylish outfits. Most people would rather be snuggled inside their warm houses and sipping hot beverage of choice -but not us nutty horse lovers. We seem to be a breed of our own.
 | We find more joy from plunging our hands and noses into our horses' warm and furry hair coats than we do sporting a new pair of diamond earrings. Speaking personally I would much rather receive a new horse blanket, a nice smelling horse shampoo or a new piece of horse related tack than any other gift. This of course makes my husband’s shopping task much easier. There is also something extremely magical about entering the barn as the horses are munching contently on their breakfast hay or of the smell of fresh pine shavings as they bed down for the night. |
Sometimes I look back into my memories' photo album to recall the special experiences have been given to those of us fortunate enough to have equine companions in our lives. You can tell a horse anything and they will never repeat it nor will they judge it. Think of it -a free ear and a willing heart and sometime a warm fuzzy, sloppy kiss. Combine that with the look of achievement on the face of a rider who has just mastered a special horsemanship skill or something as simple as finally being able to lift and clean the horse's feet with confidence and skill. Wow!
| In my 25 plus years of teaching horsemanship techniques I am still excited to watch the improvement of balance, style and self-confidence techniques which have been enhanced by the communication between animal and human toward one positive goal. I have also noticed that a simple nuzzle or nicker from a friendly horse can act as a major stress release. Truth be told -when people ask me why I spend so much time with the horses, no matter what the weather, I think of the quote "the specialness of the horse incites the specialness in us whenever we are with them." |  |
If anyone would like to e-mail questions or insights regarding their special relationship with their horse please feel free to do so. My e-mail is jgibhorseman@gmail.com. I promise to answer as soon as possible.
Peace and joy be with you.
Judy Gibney
Judy Gibney
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