Am I Really Too Old

Before I start, just want to update my previous entry on the NYC carriage horses. Won't say much other than add sites for you to check if you wish. One I think conveys my thoughts pretty good is http://equinelaw.alisonrowe.com and the other is the follow up from the ASPCA, www.aspca.org/pressroom/press-releases/013009.

Now for today's topic. Need to know if I really am too old. Start at the beginning with my old mare, Schiroc, which this blog is named after. She was the most trusted, best companion any one could have. Unfortunately, age started getting the better of both of us. Retired her and was using her son, who is 15 now as my riding horse. Got it in my head that I needed a new young one to work with so after many many prospects, my friend Sherry found an add for a grey and white appy filly. No pictures, just an add. Well talked her into going to see this girl and with trailer in tow, we headed out. Well as soon as I saw her it was Schiroc all over again. Looked so much like her. Gave this filly the winter off and started her fresh in the spring of 08. After loosing Schiroc at Easter and working with this filly I knew it was the right move. Training went really well and by summer I was riding her. We had been on maybe seven rides outside the round pen with other horses and all seemed well. On thanksgiving weekend, (Oct. 10th) I was out with my daughter and son and somehting happened, Peps spooked and all I remember is lying on the ground not being able to move. Now I have come off horses many times and always, cursed at myself, picked myself up, got back on and continued on my way. Well Sherry knew something was seriously wrong when she went to help me up and I was really nasty. (Sorry Sher) Ended up in the hospital black and blue and very very sore. Make a long story short, I broke three ribs and ended up fracturing my spine in three places. Needless to say I haven't ridden since, almost four months. My heart is telling me that I need to get back on a horse and get going again. So I thought this weekend, I would get on my old gelding Blue, he's 15, very laid back and an awesome boy. Although in his younger days, he airmailed me a couple times. My head and body (I'm 50 with fibormyalgia and arthritis) though, are telling me that maybe its's time to call my riding days goodbye and just work with my horses on the groung. I love Peps and she is a real doll. I know she didn't mean for this too happen as she has never shown a mean bone or response since I've had her. My question is how do I get over my apprenhension and get back to doing what I love to do and have been doing for over 30 years. Do I send her out to someone to finish or do I dig deep and get my confidence back with Blue and then continue on with her. I promised my husband that she was the last horse I would ever need and I really want to be riding in my senior years. I need your help her fellow horse people. How does one get over a tramatic event and get on with life. (Will post a picture when I get home to my computer)

ANIMAL RIGHTS VS. ANIMAL WELFARE

I've been a horse person all my life as well as an animal lover. I work for the Alberta SPCA so have seen alot of animal abuse and neglect. Made reservations for a trip to NYC in April. Of course, what is the most sought after attraction in NY. A horse drawn carriage ride thru Central Park. While studying the options via the internet discovered that a move is about in NYC to ban the horse & carrigae activities due to animal cruelty. Did some research and discovered, all drivers have to licensed, they have strict rules set out by the American SPCA, such as can only work 6 hrs a day. Must have a break after 3 hrs. with food and water being available at all times while at rest Can't work if it is too hot or too cold, etc. These animals are in excellent body condition. I see nothing wrong with horses working to earn a living as long as they are well cared for and not in any danger. Some of the protesters reasons are that the horses have to work in the wet cold snow, their food is damp, etc. What about ranch horses who work all winter, in all temperatures or police horses who work in the same conditions. Is this animal abuse? If this is abuse than all horses in the eventing world, ranch horses, race horses, pleasure horses should be retired to a pasture to become large expensive lawn ornaments. There are places in this world where horses work 24/7 with no vet care, proper food etc. In Mongolia for instance they have no vet care or concern for their horses. If they die, they eat them. In Cuba, horses, oxen etc. are the mainstay of that countries transportation, Without them, the average person could not travel, earn a living or haul food or water. What about dogs that work for a living in some pretty dangerous conditions? Rescue dogs, sled dogs, helper dogs for the handicapped. How far do these "animal rights" people want to go. What are your thoughts? I think horses, dogs etc. like to work. I know my ponies sure enjoy getting out. I will for the first time in four months get on my boy this weekend and we will both enjoy it, although I am a little apprehensive. But that is for another day. I will fill you in on why next time.

Let me Catch Up

Just thought I would get into the 21st century. After reading other blogs and posting replies, thought I would set up my own. Don't know where to start. Start with a little background I guess. I'm married with three teen/adult children, who require more of my time now than they did when they were younger. We own a cottage lot on Lac Ste. Anne nw of Edmonton and we own a home in Edmonton. I work part time, for the Alberta SPCA, keep two residences, and help out as often as I can on the farm, Fern Valley Appaloosas. I also am on the council of our summer village. Needless to say I keep myself busy. I have two horses myself and our family has a total of four, a golden retreiver, three birds, fish and lizards. Don't know how often I'll post but it will be nice to talk to others when need be or just vent or express my thoughts. See where this goes.