Why We Love Our Horses

 

Let Us Count the Ways...

 

by Jasmine Minbashian, Associate Director

 

1. They’re emotionally intelligent

Being prey animals, horses are fine-tuned to our emotions and body language. They are incredibly perceptive and sensitive creatures. They can tell if we are stressed and agitated (a hungry lion looking for our next meal) or happy and relaxed (a resting lion getting up for a stretch).

 

They give us feedback appropriate for those emotions, like holding up a mirror to our soul. Sometimes they know how we're feeling before we're even aware ourselves. This is what makes them the perfect teachers for us imperfect humans.

2. They get us outside

The daily requirements of caring for a horse forces us to get exercise every day and keeps us on a

healthy routine: waking up early, mucking manure, lifting hay bales, carrying saddles, and exercising our horse. All this work keeps us healthy both physically and mentally. When we spend time outside with horses we are truly in touch with all the best Mother Nature has to offer!

 

3. They are generous

 

Time and again we have witnessed one of our lesson horses act as a complete saint for one of our young beginner riders, but on that very same day, challenge a more experienced, older rider.

 

Horses are intelligent animals (see reason #1). They know when its time to be gentle and when its time to push back. When treated fairly and kindly, horses can grow to be incredible partners with us humans, accomplishing incredible feats in the world of horse sports.

 

Their incredible power reminds us to be humble. Just this morning, I watched our most gentle lesson horse, Ginger, sprint at a full gallop to come get her hay. It gave me a not so subtle reminder that despite her bunny rabbit demeanor, she is after all filled with incredible horse power. I stood their in awe marveling at her sheer strength and beauty.  And because of their power, I have come to learn that horses will NOT do anything they absolutely do NOT want to do. So when they go trotting off in their second or even third beginner lesson of the day - it is because they are generous and kind and willing. At MVRU, we are very lucky to have a string of very generous and kind lesson horses for whom we are extremely grateful.

 

So do yourself a favor and go out and love a horse! If you don't have one to love, we have plenty to choose from at MVRU. If you are lucky to love one already, then make an extra commitment to provide the best care for your friend this coming year. Your horse - and your body and mind - will thank you!

A Stroke Survivor’s Story

By Marian Osborne

As a very physically active and strong fifty year old, I suffered a deep brain hemorrhage in 2007. Fortunately, I survived. However, it left me unable to walk. My left leg and arm were paralyzed. I was devastated as I ruminated about all the activities I loved doing that I now was unable to do: cross country skiing, biking, running and hiking.  One of my therapists suggested that I try to find an outdoor activity that would accommodate my disability rather than focus on the activities I used to enjoy prior to my stroke.  I didn’t know what those activities would be until I heard about Methow Valley Riding Unlimited.  This riding center trains able-bodied riders of all ages but also works with people who have some kind of disability be it physical, emotional or cognitive.

Mo finding her balance on Ginger

The first summer after my stroke, I signed up for a lesson.  I was paired with a very gentle, calm horse named Ginger. I was skeptical about this all working out, but went for it anyway.  To get on Ginger I walked up a ramp to which Ginger was standing parallel.  I sat down, swung my right leg over Ginger’s neck and sat straddled on her. My instructor, Annie, guided Ginger and me into the riding arena.  When I look at a picture taken of me on Ginger that day I was slumped over towards my right as my left side had no feeling. I often felt like I would fall over toward my left.  I was sitting totally off balance and crooked. The next few lessons, Annie focused on trying to get me to sit in the middle of the saddle.  The next step in my progression was to go on a short trail ride.  Going up and down hills required me to use not only my right leg but my left as well so I would not fall off!

Every summer, I rode as often as possible. I moved from walking to trotting on Ginger and then walking and trotting in figures like circles and serpentines. 



Mo and Homer on a trail ride

Now, ten years later, I have advanced to riding Homer, a horse that presents me with different challenges. Homer is more narrow than Ginger and his trot is bouncier, requiring more core strength to stay on!  All of this riding has strengthened my left leg, my back and my core muscles all of which has helped me walk better - despite the warnings from my doctor that I may never walk again. Just as importantly, it has also provided me with an outdoor activity that I love. 

I hope I can continue riding for many more years to come. Thank you to the horses and instructors at Methow Valley Riding Unlimited for being such an important part of my recovery.

My friend Henry There is a difference between just riding the horse and making a connection with a horse. Henry showed me what it felt like to have a great relationship between horse and rider. Most of the time we were speaking the same language. Henry gave me so much; he gave me the ability to grow as a rider. And trust me looking back at photos and videos I (we) have improved immensely! When I first heard of Henry, I didn’t really know what to think. I heard he pulled A LOT. But I also heard he was a great jumper. I needed desperately for some confidence in jumping. I had just finished my last show with my pony Midnight. And I was ready to move on to another horse, but who? I know this may be hard to believe. But I had a dream about riding Henry. I dreamed about going to my first recognized event on him. (Looking back, I find it weird that I dreamt about riding him and here I am writing about how much he gave to me as a rider!) And so I started to ride him, and I took lessons and spent time with him, so I knew him inside and out. Then I started jumping him. Henry gave me confidence in my riding, to think to myself I can do this, I can conquer all obstacles. And with hard work the two of us, as a team did. As we grew as a team the movements got more challenging. And even though it was hard, especially for him, he kept moving. Henry also showed the fun parts to riding a great horse like him, to go cantering across a field and to feel completely comfortable and free. Through hard work and great times we got to this place that was very special. I understood him, he understood me and we where a great team. If you are a rider than you know what I am talking about. To feel connected to a horse is the best thing ever, to be an inseparable team. It seems not until something is gone from you, you start to appreciate them even more. And how much they gave you. Henry pushed me higher and gave me a true feeling of horse back riding. I will never forget that amazing place we got to; I will never forget the fun times we had. But most importantly I will never forget how much I love him and how far he has taken me. With the confidence he has given me, I feel confident with any horse I jump. And to me that is very important!  Now that I realize he was being ridden by me and used lessons with a neck injury it makes me appreciate him even more!! I LOVE YOU HEN!

Sparks Fly ~ Runner Up for 2012 MVRU Horse of the Year This lovely Welsh/Welsh Cob mare likely received many votes due to her user friendly size and temperament. She is sweet, smart and, obviously, CUTE. Her willing and obedient nature have made 'Sparky' a favorite in summer horse camps and weekly lessons. Her athleticism and smarts also make her a great asset to the Moccasin Lake Ranch Equestrian Team. In addition, she is a terrifc bareback and trail riding pony!

2012 Horse of the Year Results It is only fitting on this election year that we had a close race for Horse of the Year. All the votes have been counted and the winners are .. HENRY

.. and SPARKS FLY !

The Passing of Brownie

Two Sundays ago our beloved friend and teacher, Brownie, passed on to greener pastures. He was 24. Brownie was the very first school horse for MVRU 18 years ago. He was a generous soul who touched the hearts of scores of children and adults over the years. We are grateful for having this wonderful horse in our lives for so many years.

A Gift to Start 2012

We have been honored with the gift of the LOVELY 12 year old, 14H Welsh/Welsh Cob mare 'Sparks Fly by our friends Devon Trepass and her mom, Tracey March, formerly of Winthrop. Sparks made her home with us for almost a year before moving to Bend, OR. Life changes in her family have brought this sweet pony back 'home' to us at Moccasin Lake Ranch where she has many friends, both 2-legged and 4. She is a clever and athletic pony who likes to have meaningful work and promises to be useful in many of our programs. We are grateful and feel blessed by good fortune.

MVRU 2011 Horses of the Year !

Two beloved mares have been acknowledged as official SuperStars by our students and volunteers! The lovely 12 year old sorrel Quarter Horse, GINGER, was voted 2011 HORSE of the YEAR! Reserve Horse of the Year, by only 2 votes, was earned by the 21 year old, Morgan/Welsh cross pony, Midnight. Both horses have given over 200 lessons and guests rides this season. We are so fortunate to include these well schooled, impeccably mannered, willing in our valuable string of fine horses. Ginger is owned and generously loaned for MVRU classes by Gaye Pigott of Moccasin Lake Ranch. Midnight is owned and generously loaned by the Butler family.

CHICORY

Chicory is a lovely Haflinger mare recently donated to MVRU by the generous Gwenyth Bassetti of CDB Farm in Goldendale, Washington. She is a safe and sane, experienced driving pony and deluxe bareback ride!