Committees Are Not Always the Best Way

"A camel is a horse made by committee."

After the Rain…

We have had quite a bit of rain at Hold Your Horses Farm lately. When it rains, we horses huddle together inside the run-in shed at the top of the hill. It gives us shelter, and we like being together when it is really windy and scary. Sometimes there is lightning and thunder. We don't like that very much. We try to stay away from the trees, and move off the hill when we need to.

Sometimes it rains for a few minutes; sometimes for most of the day. Horses don't really care about time, so we don't mind. We know that eventually the rain will stop and we will once again romp through the fields, and be able to graze in the sweet grass.

After the rain, we often gather where the water has flowed through the drainage ditch. We know that the grass there is especially lush. It tastes good and we know it is good for us. We graze for hours after the rain in that one area.

In the places where the grass is sparse and dirt shows through, the rain has left behind mud. We love to roll there. We can get especially muddy and sloppy. I like it best when I have big muddy clods of dirt hanging off my mane. Being a mare with a mature figure, I sometimes can't roll all the way over; then I get muddy only on one side.

The boys play in the mud, chasing each other and slipping and sliding a bit on the muddy hill. I'm too mature for that, but I secretly love watching it.

Even though the rain can be scary or can mess up our grazing plans for the day, we know it will pass eventually. We know that we can enjoy what happens after the rain.

I'm not sure if humans know that. Humans have rain in their lives as well, but it isn't the kind that gets them wet. They have things happen that spoils their plans, messes up their lives, and makes it difficult for them to keep their footing. What they seem to have trouble remembering is that the rain will eventually go away. I think sometimes they get stuck in believing that it will ALWAYS rain in their lives. They forget that good things come from "rainy times." After all, you can't play in the mud unless it has been raining.

You don't need to be upset when it rains. Things happen. It is part of the cycle of nature. You can learn about yourself and your herd from those rainy times. You can learn to avoid those areas that are likely to flood you with struggle, just like we avoid the low areas of our pasture when it rains.

I think humans need to remember to play after the rain and to take advantage of the opportunities when the sun comes out. When you do, you won't be as upset by those "rainy times." You'll hunker down, do what you need to do to take care of yourself, and wait till it passes. Because it will pass. I know. I'm a mare who has survived many rainstorms.

Neighs and Whinnies,

P.S. If you find yourself stuck in a lot of "rainstorms" in your life, you might want to talk with my human, Linda Pucci. She helps people find the resources to weather their storms and move beyond them. She's really good at helping people figure out what to do to prepare themselves for rain in their lives, and learn from their rainy experiences. She is good at helping you stay calm in a storm, too. You can call her at 865-983-7544 or email her at Linda@InnerResourceCenter.com. Tell her about your rainy times. I'll bet she can help.