Spring feels like it’s right around the corner here, even though I know we have at least another month of cold temperatures to get through. This past week was deceptively warm, culminating in a day that had the horses sweating under their winter hair. We had to do a bit of clipping on the undersides of a few ponies, trying to give them some relief while still keeping enough to warm them in the upcoming cold. The horses’ clocks tell them they still need the warmth. Not one has started shedding yet!
My other hobby, gardening, has been getting additional attention lately. I planted some pepper seeds under the indoor grow lights and trimmed up the rose bushes. Rose bushes take time and concentration to prune. Not only do I need to keep in mind the angles and locations of the cuts, I also have to avoid the quarter inch long thorns! Trimming slowly and knowing where my arms are in relation to the plant’s stabby limbs are important parts of the process. It’s amazing, all the places you can practice body awareness. Just like practicing it with horses, you get excellent feedback from a rose bush, though it may be a little more uncomfortable!
For more adventures in body awareness with horses (but not rose bushes), check out Standing in a Field With Horses.
Maeve Birch Home 