They say that starting is the hardest part. As a (recovering) perfectionist, I wholeheartedly agree.
That’s why today I’ve decided to just start in the middle. Plonk in the midst of the action. Welcome to my present moment. You’ll learn about how we got here and where we’re going later. Everything in its own time. You probably wouldn’t be surprised to learn I was inspired to start writing this blog - very much in this same ‘window into the now’ style - a few weeks ago. Well, actually, that would have been a month and a bit ago now. I checked the notes on my phone.
I was feeling inspired while walking Ike (the ever-handsome and charming 16 year old Westphalian I am leasing) in the apple orchard paddock. We were doing laps and listening to the “Country Kind of Love” playlist on Spotify (yes, I’m a hopeless romantic). It was just one of those moments where time felt full and rich, the kind where you feel yourself brimming with a contented joy and sense of deep gratitude.
We had just made it through the toughest chapter of our relationship, but the skies were clear now. Like I said, I’ll come back to colour this story (and the horses I share my life with) in more detail and character as we go along.
In any case, today is similar in the sense that I am feeling called to write having been inspired by just another routine, daily, feel-good moment: I caught Ike browsing like a giraffe off of one of the several apple trees that run the fence line. I know for a fact that this behaviour was guided by Fara’s cunning ways. She’s been honing in on the tiny fallen green apples for weeks now. She knows what’s up. No questions there.
This is what I love about horses though; they have such dynamic and unique personalities. I find myself constantly filled with a sense of wonder. And they're funny! And they break your heart.
And make it whole again.
I guess what I am trying to say is that if you thought this blog was going to be about horses, you’re right. But only kind of. In reality, it is a love letter to these creatures I get to share my time with, my physical world with, and truly a reflective space about learning and journeying towards becoming more of myself - the person I really am. The person my horses SEE and help me see through their teachings.
I hope you’ll come along for the ride.
Love, Elsie
