The Journey of Friendship
by Catherine Madera
My 19-year-old son recently returned from a year away at a technical college. The last two months with him have been delightful. My husband and I often say things like, “He is such a pleasure to be around,” or “I am so proud of him.” Seeing him mature from that darling infant and little boy is amazing and rewarding. During the long (challenging) journey of raising a child every parent looks forward to the day when the relationship evolves into more friendship/support rather than boundary setting and discipline.
It’s a new year and some of you may be contemplating the decision to raise/breed a horse or buy one with some experience. While I’ve done both—and enjoyed both—a realistic picture of the long term commitment raising a colt requires tempers my enthusiasm to breed my stallion Eli for my own foal. Perhaps someday. Right now I am enjoying Eli in his maturity and the blessing of not having a green horse.
Raising horses is similar to raising children. In the beginning they cannot be expected to be friends, they need continual support and guidance. While leadership remains key, over time the relationship between a mature horse and its handler/rider should begin to be characterized more by friendship than correction. Hopefully we can eventually exclaim often, and with enthusiasm, “he/she is such a pleasure to be around.” While breeding/raising a foal is very rewarding, it is also expensive, time consuming, and frustrating. There has never been a better time to purchase a seasoned horse, one that is mature enough to give back friendship and stable companionship. This month, besides learning about a great event to further your education in all things equine—The Washington State Horse Expo—the magazine is chock-full of articles to help you choose a new best friend. Email me at editor@nwhorsesource.com.
Enjoy the ride!
Published January 2013 Issue
Catherine Madera served as editor of the Northwest Horse Source for five years. She has written for numerous regional and national publications and is a contributing writer for Guideposts Magazine and the author of four equine-related books. She has two grown children and lives with her husband and three horses in Northwest Washington.