Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Nature is the Best Medicine

The hot, humid days of Florida Summer are giving way to the warm days and cool-ish evenings and mornings that I love.  As a Florida transplant, I have never been one for the heat and have always preferred Florida's Fall, Winter, and Spring Seasons.  I think River can say the same as well.

I have done some limited riding on River and continue to groom her and care for her feet.  Hoof care remains a priority as that is her Achilles' Heel (no pun intended).  Our latest challenge is a crack in her left front hoof, which the farrier has drilled out and I am regularly cleaning to ensure it does not get infected.  Once the hoof grows out enough, River will be getting shoes to provide better support for her feet.  Hopefully that will give River's feet the stability they need to allow her to get into shape and be able to exercise and get fit again.  It's a Catch-22 situation:  River can't get into shape until her hooves are sound enough, but exercise helps with the blood flow and overall health of the hoof. Given how long it takes a hoof to grow, we are several months away from shoes -- so we continue our routine of short hand walks or mounted walks and neck stretches until the hooves are more stable.  I sometimes despair that River will ever to be able to be ridden again like before; but she has continued to improve even through the setbacks -- though I still worry about her a lot.

With the cooler weather, I spent some time just walking around the barn where I board River.  There was a nice breeze, the weather was warm but not oppressive, and all you could hear were the sounds of nature -- horses contentedly chewing hay or grass, the swishing of horse tails to swat an errant fly, the neighing and nickering as the horses to each other, the call of the birds flying over head, and the gentle rustling of the leaves on the trees.  As I took in the view and the sounds, I felt a sense of calm come over me that I had not felt in a long time. What a balm to the soul!  Being out in nature is truly a healing experience.

After that walk, which included watching River contentedly eating hay with her pasture mates, I had regained perspective.  I left feeling relaxed and hopeful about my future and River's. 

So, I encourage everyone to take the time to partake of nature.  To bask in its wonders puts everything in perspective.  And if you can't get out in nature, at least look at some beautiful pictures of it.  I have included some pictures of my special time at the barn.  Enjoy!