Values

I've been thinking about values for the last couple of days. Jerry Finch from Habitat for Horses also mentioned values in his latest blog (see my previous post for a link).

Some of my values have changed over the years. Some stuck with me when I learned them at an early age, others I learned a long the way. As I look at my son, I can only hope that I can instill those same values in him that were instilled in me.

One of the first values I ever learned was to respect others. Maybe I took it a step farther and added the four legged "others" in that list. Each individual, be it four legged or two, has a personality and feelings. They have rights.  Yes, I think horses have rights! They have the same rights we do, to be treated with respect and dignity, to be given an education so that they can learn just as we have, to be treated as an individual.

I also learned to respect my elders. Maybe that's why I'm so drawn to the older horses. There's so much wisdom. The older horses have seen and done more than I have. Some have traveled and lived in different states. We've had to say goodbye to a number of old horses over the past couple of years. We are now left with only two old horses (or what I consider old-ish). The rest are still young in my book so we will be able to enjoy each other's company for many  more years to come. They may not have as much worldy experience, but I can at least assure them (and myself) that they will no longer face the cruelties of the world.

I also have the belief that out of sight/out of  mind is not correct. People should not turn a blind eye to something they know is wrong. Doing the right thing is sometimes difficult and sometimes almost impossible but never give up. Because if you give up, others will too. We need to stand up for our beliefs and be a role model for the younger generations so that maybe some day people will  realize that doing right, although may be difficult, is really the only solution to the problem.

I'm afraid at this point, I'm a little tired so I'm not as gunho to step in and fight wrong doings.  I think once we start working on our fundraiser ideas, I'll become more energized and excited. Being around people who are willing to help and support us really makes me want to get out there and do more. I'm not good at asking for help but being a sanctuary really does require me to say those words. The generosity of others humbles me and leaves me with such a deep feeling of gratitude.

I'm really looking forward to 2013. I'm looking forward to the possiblity of meeting new people and new supporters. I'm looking forward to spreading awareness about the plight of the horse. I'm looking forward to enjoying some great activities. I'm looking forward to meeting new horses. And most of all, I'm looking forward to not having to say no when an old horse needs to find a new home to live out the rest of their days. I know that we can't save them all, but we will hopefully be able to make a difference in at least one horse's life.  Each horse that has come to stay at Borderlands has taught me so much. I look forward to learning in 2013 and possibly instilling new and additional values.