Returning to Zen

After my big plans fell through last week, I needed some time to regroup and refocus. This past week I spent a large amount of time thinking about the Sanctuary and what it means. Ever since I was little, I knew there was a need for horse rescues and that became my lifelong goal. I sometimes forget that my goal isn't the same as everyone else.

I've always struggled with asking for help (it's a family trait). I have such wonderful family and friends that always step up without me having to ask. I cannot thank them enough for all that they do. Unfortunately I sometimes take them for granted. Then, when they aren't able to help I'm left wondering how I'm going to get everything done.


This past week I had my answer. Mike had training out of town Monday and that left me with doing chores alone for the entire week. It doesn't sound like a big deal until you throw in the weather. I'll admit that I panicked a few times. Starting Monday night we had a storm blow in that dropped six inches of snow followed by sub zero temperatures and sub zero wind chills. To add insult to injury the wind chills were the coldest of the year at -30 to -50 degrees below zero.

But the herd and I managed to survive the terrible weather with no ill effects. Maverick did come up lame but I'm guessing he sprained his ankle while playing over the gate with Rabbit. He's now back to normal with no indication that he hurt himself.

And if doing chores alone in sub zero temps and sub zero wind chill wasn't enough, I also had a high priority, high visibility project due this past week at work. It felt as though all I did was chores and work, work and chores. Least to say, I was exhausted once Friday evening rolled around.
But through it all, I realized that I need to be able to run the rescue by myself. I will always accept the help of others but I needed to know that I could handle chores alone in terrible weather. And I did it. I know some of you must think I'm just nutzo! :-) But caring for, and worrying for 17 horses alone is a major feat, at least for me.

I will do my best at not taking people for granted. I will, however, ask for help when it comes down to shuffling papers, promoting rescue, and getting the word out about slaughter. Education is key and I will most definitely be asking for help.

I am saddened that my big plans fell through. But I'm taking it as a worldly sign that there is something else that requires my attention. I had everything lined up to take in a horse but logistics didn't work out. I still constantly think about the horse as the owner can no longer afford nor spend time with the horse due to other commitments. The asking price is very close to kill buyer price and I'm afraid that he'll be picked up and then taken directly to an auction. I know that I can't save them all but I can save one. Slowly but surely one at a time.

I watched the herd tonight eating contentedly on their alfalfa (to distract them while we worked on breaking the ice holding the barn door). Each horse has a story. Luckily the ending is happy for each. As I look at each horse and think about their individual personalities, my heard fills with joy. I am truly blessed to have such wonderful horses to care for and such wonderful people to give me support in running the Sanctuary.

And I am now willing to ask for your help. How can we promote retirement and making sure that each horse lands safely into a retirement home instead of a terrible fate? What can the Sanctuary do to promote the well being of horses? If you have ideas or suggestions, either leave comments here, leave comments on the FB page, or email me. I look forward to reading your suggestions. I'm always willing to brainstorm if you have a basic idea and want to see where it goes.