10 Things for which Horse People can give Thanks this Holiday season .
1 . Our horses ’ ability to understand us . In the words of Buck Brannaman , “ All your horses are a mirror to your soul . Sometimes you won ’ t like what you see , sometimes you will .” No matter what is reflected back at us , there is comfort in the knowledge that our horses understand us .
2 . Our barn or horse show familises . Horse people get other horse people and the bonds we form often go beyond those formed with other people in our lives . Even when competing , horse people support each other .
3 . Vets and farriers who are available when we need them . No one wants to makle an emergency call but it ’ s a tremendous comfort to know their are vets and farriers that will alway be there to help us and our horses .
4 . The perfect excuse . If Thankgiving dinner become unpleasant due to family squabbles or tensions , you can always fake a barn emergency and leave .
5 . Ramen noodles and other cheap foods . They enable us to afford our horse habit .
6 . Barn cats . In addition to providing rodent control , barn cats are a comfort and they can be quite entertaining .
7 . Insulated coveralls / overalls . They make winter barn work possible .
8 . Heated water buckets and water trough heaters . No one enjoys breaking ice in a frozen bucket or trough . Horses have to drink regardless of the weather and these make it so much easier for that to happen .
9 . Indoor arenas . They allow us to work our horses year round and they provide a place for turnout then the weather is awful .
10 . Solitude . There ’ s something about working in the barn alone that allows one to clear their mind and gain perspective . The barn smell , the sound of horses munching , and the repetative nature of the chores combine to give a feeling of peace .
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