It is raining outside, and I am at the Myhre Equine Clinic while the vets assess Garth and administer his treatments. This is the first day I will not be riding any of the horses at the farm.
The ring is dragged and the fields are mowed. Our first cut hay, straight from our own fields, is as green as an Irish salad. The horses all love it, and our fields are in great health. Our six-stall barn is nearly filled with horses: They are all happily eating in their salads with fluffy bedding and plenty of room to stretch their legs. I think we are all going to enjoy a quiet day at the Autumn Hill Farm.
There has not been one day that I have not ridden since returning from Aiken. The horses needed to be worked, the temperatures were cooperating, and I had energy to spare. In addition to catering to the needs of our own horses and the horses in training, I have been adjusting to the needs of our property. As spring blended into summer, property maintenance has become a primary focus for us in our “free time”. The most extensive chore? Mowing the lawns. Our grass grows incredibly fast. We are wondering what may be in the soil…
Roger and I were chatting last night about our life together, and the new directions that our choices have led us. I am happier then ever, not just in spirit but in physical health as well. Farm work and training various types and levels of horses is interval training within itself. What I find amazing is that I no longer have symptoms of issues that may result from stress or upset that I otherwise did not pay attention too: biting my nails, digestive upset, for example. Although the physical work, business management and social balancing acts are greater then I’ve ever experienced, I am at my absolute happiest. I think I have found a purpose, a fulfilling existence, and I am pursuing my dreams with a full heart.
Every day I ask myself “Is this really my job?” With every smile from a student, each ride on a horse, and the numerous “ah hah!” moments in between, I am reminded how incredibly fortunate I am to have the opportunity to build on my dreams and my goals. It has taken more then 10 years to build the reputation, client base, and skill set that has enabled me to pursue my passion as my career. But this is not a career, it is not a job, it is life itself. A life worth living, cherishing and sharing.
Thank you for riding along with us!
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