Cherishing Every Day
by Catherine Madera
“I’m having a senior moment.”
This is a common lament for those struggling with the aging process. Life is a journey of seasons. Instead of the good things that come with age—increased confidence, wisdom, and skill—it’s the negative that so often is our focus. I always enjoy the senior horse issue because the positives of aging—in our horses and ourselves—can be highlighted through our annual essay contest. Congratulations to winners MaryLou Langley and Carlyn Weatherill whose senior horses made new beginnings possible. I also enjoyed an essay that didn’t win called Senior Moments, by Laurie Lewis of Deming, WA. A singer/songwriter, Lewis has invited several aged horses into her life, horses in the last stage of life that will most likely die in her care. Still, Lewis is encouraged and inspired by the “senior moments” she spends with two old boys that still have something to give in a quieter season of life. Says Lewis, “Senior horses can come with a gamut of issues—teeth, hooves, arthritis, colic, gas, diet—and are often limited in use under saddle. Luckily today with supplements, complete feeds, blankets and/or proper shelter the older horse can be comfortable. And while maintenance can be high, there is something very special about caring for an old horse, especially the well-trained type you can confidently mount up on and know you are safe. That alone is invaluable. It is a big commitment that you sign up for and I think many people look for an old horse for their kids or get back into horses after many years away, but don’t really comprehend the inevitable. I am grateful for my senior moments. Hmm, sounds like a new song to me!”
Check out some of Lewis’ inspired horsey songs at www.ahorselovinheart.com. And make sure to read our cover story on SciencePure, a company that can aid horses in any stage of life through superior supplementation. Whatever season you’re in with your horse, enjoy each moment. Email me at editor@nwhorsesource.com.
Merry Christmas!
Published December 2012 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.