Horses in 4 Seasons

As horse owners, it’s as easy as finding horse manure on a horse farm to find something to complain about at any given season of taking care of our equine friends. There’s never a shortage of situations that can make any sane person want to break their manure fork over their leg, scream in fury and storm off.

 Spring: Blankets on, blankets off. I feel like Mr. Miagi!!! My horses are losing their minds with the warmer weather and it seems like barn chores have doubled since the sun came out from its winter hiding spot! And don’t get me started on the mud. Muddy horses, muddy boots, muddy blankets, muddy stalls!

Summer: How are there so many flies ON THIS PLANET, let alone pestering my horses and myself. It’s blistering heat by 8 am and doesn’t cool off until close to midnight, which means I’m putting in 15 hour days at the barn.

Fall: Blankets on, blankets off again. SERIOUSLY. And how am I supposed to take care of all the evening barn chores and teach lessons in the few short hours I have after school before it gets dark at FIVE PM?!

Winter: Breaking ice out of water troughs is the BEST! Said no one ever. How do I do up blanket surcingles when I can’t feel my fingers? How do I even see the blankets when my eyeballs are frozen shut?!

However, we have been told that “focusing on the good” is better not only for those around us but for our own mental health. While I find this idea ridiculously obnoxious, I also find it completely true. So, in an effort to be a better person and improve my mental state, here I go:

 Spring:
Instead of complaining about the bipolar weather, I can try to relish finally feeling the sun again after it was seemingly so far away all winter. I can enjoy the crisp air in the mornings and evenings before summer comes.

Spring means pretty pony coats in pretty pastures

 Summer: Instead of groaning about the flies, I can enjoy the fact that show season is in full swing. I can be grateful for kids being out of school, which means more help at the barn and more fun to be had.

Summer means fun times with friends at horse shows

 Fall: Instead of the short days making me grumpy, I can enjoy the extra time with my family in the evenings and the near-perfect temperatures, making barn chores enjoyable instead of sweaty or freezing.

Fall means cute clips and perfect temps for riding

 Winter: I had to reach for this one because I normally completely loathe winter and cold, but I CAN enjoy wintertime. Seeing ponies running in a fresh snow is one of my favorite sights. And I really truly love the focus on training we can have after show season is over.

Winter means fun training sessions

 So try to seek the positive in your season, because soon it’ll be over and you’ll have something brand new to complain about-or enjoy.