Thanksgiving is a great time to reflect on the things that we are thankful for in our lives. For horse owners, there are many things that are unique to being a horse person that we can count as little blessings. Here are just a few things to reflect on as we head into the holiday season.
- The Smell of the Stable – non-horse people might not understand, but the smell of the barn is one of the most perfect combinations of all time: sawdust, hay, horse and yes, even a touch of manure. There is nothing else like it and it can be enjoyed each time we walk into the barn.
- Hay in our Pockets – Even when you are not at the barn, chances are you might take a little bit of it with you when you go. The next time you are at the grocery store and reach in your pocket for something else, be thankful for that little bit of hay, horse treat, or twine – it means you have a horse, which is pretty special.
- Warm days in November – Winter is typically not a horseperson’s favorite season, but we can all be very thankful for those days that are a little warmer than usual so we can get to spend some extra time in the barn without having to bundle up in layers.
- Autumn Trail Rides – Getting out on the trails with our horses in the fall is one of the most beautiful experiences we can have on horseback. The temperatures are cooler, the fall foliage is fantastic, and it just feels great to get out in nature.
- Pajamas and Muck Boots – This unique styling combination is typically shared by the lucky individuals who have their horses at home. While it might not be as fashion-forward as your new hunt coat, this reliable morning feeding outfit is perfect for any barn, bonus if you have a hot cup of coffee from the kitchen to accessorize.
- The Sound of Horses Munching Hay in the Evening – After a long day, once the stalls are cleaned and every horse is tucked in for the night, fed and watered and the aisleway is swept, just before you turn the lights out for the night, there is the moment when you hear nothing but content horses softly munching on hay and all is right in the world.
- Friends to Ride With – Horses can really bring people together. It doesn’t matter what age, style of riding, or experience level, the one thing we all have in common is a love of horses and when you can find a good group of friends to ride with, it makes the experience so much more fun.
- Mounting Blocks - While it might be impressive to be able to mount from the ground, mounting blocks are good for riders and horses alike. These handy tools can make getting on for a ride so much easier, the more steps the better!
- Safe Stables – The peace of mind of knowing that the place where your horse calls home has features and was designed to be safe for them is something to be grateful for. Not all barns are built the same, so knowing that you have selected safe materials for your horse is a great feeling.
- Heated Barn Areas – A heated viewing room, tack room or feed room can be a saving grace on the coldest of days. Having a spot to warm up can make all the difference in how you feel about spending time at the barn during the winter.
- Great Teachers – There is so much to learn when it comes to horses. If you can surround yourself with trainers, coaches, and friends that are knowledgeable, it will help you become a better rider and overall horsemen. Don’t forget to thank them for what they share.
- Goofy Geldings – Sometimes we can get a little too serious or competitive in our riding lives. Thankfully, there is usually a goofy gelding that is there to give the situation some levity and remind us that we are here to have fun too.
- Barn Cats – Having a few furry friends at the barn is great for keeping pests at bay. They usually earn their keep and are typically low maintenance, which cannot always be said of their equine barn mates.
- Healthy Horses and Emergency Vets – We should be thankful every day that our horses are healthy. Horses tend to have a penchant for getting themselves in some weird situations when it comes to health and soundness, so when they need help, knowing that a veterinarian is just a phone call away is something to be very grateful for.
- Reliable Farriers – We have all heard the adage, no hoof, no horse. Without dedicated farriers to do the backbreaking work of keeping our horse’s hooves in shape, we would be in a bind. You can let them know you are thankful for the work they do by having your horse ready to go with clean legs when they get to the barn.
- Volunteers – If you attend any horse related event, many of the people that help put it on are volunteers. So many people who care about horses dedicate their time to helping organizations and events thrive. Show your appreciation by acknowledging their services or see what you can do to become a volunteer yourself.
- The Spicy Mare – While geldings might keep the mood light, mares can teach us all sorts of things. They might come with a little attitude, but they also have tons of heart and passion.
- Safe Riding Gear – Equestrian riding sports are steeped in tradition, but there have been a lot of advancements in riding equipment from helmets to safety vests and that is something we can be very thankful for.
- Families that Support our Dreams – Having a supportive family is crucial to being a successful equestrian. Horses can be expensive and time consuming, so having a family that understands why you do this is so important.
- Your Horse of Course – To whoever the first person was that threw a leg over this magnificent creature and changed the course of history, thank you. To become a team with a horse and understand what a partnership like that feels like is an amazing experience to be grateful for.
From your friends at American Stalls, we would like to wish you all a safe and Happy Thanksgiving. We appreciate all our customers throughout the years. If you would like to experience some upgrades in your barn and stable that you will be thankful for reach out to us by fill out our Consultation Form and one of our expert Project Managers would love to assist you. You can reach our team at (855) 957-8255 or sales@americanstalls.com. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
