Remembering.....

​It’s been a challenging year, especially the latter part. I’ve met and worked with the bravest and most remarkable people.  I feel privileged to have worked with these people and that they have trusted our team with their problems and have chosen to work with us.  I am continually amazed by their stories and their resilience.
 
I am also humbled by the horses I work with.  Their “presence” and perceptiveness are some of the reasons I keep doing this work and why I wanted to do it in the first place. Our limited human communication can never completely understand these creatures who are simple, present and authentic. 
 
​I lost a horse to illness this year. The decision to end her life had to be made and it was the right decision.  It was and still is heart-wrenching and I miss her.

She was funny and sweet and cheeky and always first in line for food.  She was helpful to children and walked beside them when they were sad or angry, and tolerated their activities around her.  She reminded people of their loved ones who had passed on.  When someone was sad, she often would approach them and put her soft nose on their cheek and blow in their ear.  Her knees hurt due to her age.
 
After she died, another horse, who had known her for 20 years, stood over her body for 3 hours and could not take their eyes of her, when they carried her body gently into the grave.  
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Jaleah, I miss you and I want to remember you as the stunning, beautiful creature that you were. 
 
Nga mihi, a ka aroha ahau ki a koe

Things change and new people and horses join us.  A new year brings new opportunities and challenges.

Have a safe and blessed New Year!