>>> For the most part, I believe there are some VERY good horse people on this >>> list. Some very skilled riders. Some very skilled gait technicians. Some >>> very skilled problem solvers. Some are great at finding new tack that >>> works. The list goes on and on... AND some have a little of all of the >>> above.... And I'm thankful for every single one of them.
Boy, you said it! Don't forget the long-time breeders like Anneliese, the driving folks like you, Laree, Cherie and Nancy... Robyn and Christine for their TTEAM and gentle training methods for family type horses? And gee, what other areas of expertise? There are so many! How about Judy herself, for being the keeper of the knowledge base she has on her website? Because Judy hosts this list, and so strongly encourages the exchange of our discoveries - be they big discoveries or little ones - we can all gain from each other. There is a story I heard many years ago, credited to John Lyons - I didn't hear it first hand so it's possible it happened with someone else. Anyway, John/whoever, was doing a clinic when a person tentatively approached him. She said she was having problems riding her horse, but she was too scared to bring the horse to the clinic. She lived close by and asked him if he'd come by her place after the clinic to take a look at the horse. He was tired of traveling, but for some reason, he agreed, even though it wasn't his policy to do that. He got there and the lady told him that the horse was sweet as could be from the ground, and that all of her family and friends told her she was wasting a good horse by not riding him, but she was scared of riding. The horse was in a good pasture with buddies, and was indeed an easy horse from the ground. On a hunch, John (whoever) asked her if she WANTED to ride the horse. Rather surprised, the woman answered honestly, no. She hadn't even thought of that, but she really wasn't that interested in riding. She got plenty of pleasure and stress relief from rubbing the horse at the end of the day, brushing him, taking care of him. She really and truly was happy with their relationship and the horse was obviously thriving and liked being with her. He simply suggested that maybe that was what she should do with the horse. Who said she HAD to ride the horse if they were both happy with the arrangement they had? What was it you said, Wanda - that there's no reason for us to defend what we do with our horses? I hope to ride as long as I can physically do so, but when I no longer can, physically, mentally or emotionally, I hope I'll at least be in a position to have a few horses to love and care for. Karen Thomas, NC -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.441 / Virus Database: 268.18.3/694 - Release Date: 2/20/2007 1:44 PM
