It seems there is a conspiracy among horse families that children, Christmas, and ponies are an inseparable trio. Our daughter Denise is more excited about a palomino pony she found for her children than she ever was for her own horse. Since the pony will be a surprise to our grandchildren at Christmas time, the conspiracy dictated that Grandpa Brown (me) must pick up the pony and keep it with our horses until the pony can be united with grandchildren.
So we have been introducing “Flikka†to our little herd. So I have been musing about some lessons that have come out of this experience.
Lesson #1: We do not “own†any of our animals. Sure, we may have registration papers or a Bill of Sale, but they are free spirits who belong only to God. We have been privileged to care for them and enjoy them, but not “own†them in the strictest sense of the word. They bring to us the privilege and responsibility of stewardship.
Lesson #2: Size does not determine ones’ spot in the equine pecking order. Because I wanted to be gentle and caring for the little filly, I introduced her first to our two geldings – knowing the mares would likely be bossier. After some squealing and chasing around the corral, all was quiet. When I drove out of the driveway, Flikka and my gelding Romeo were standing side by side like they were life time buddies. So I thought, “all is well!â€However, a few minutes later I hurried back to pick up a forgotten item and in those few minutes Romeo had apparently committed an unforgivable equine indiscretion because Flikka was giving him both heels and Romeo was humbly retreating! It is not size, but spirit and personality that earns the position on the equine pecking order!
Lesson #3: Horses are not thrilled to welcome a new member into their herd. The experience always involves flying heels, flashing teeth, and physical jostling. That has prompted me to meditate on how our horse clubs respond to new members. Are we actively looking for fellow horsemen to invite to our club? When they come, do we include them in our discussions, fellowship and rides? Or, do they have to fight to earn a place in our fellowship like the horses do?
When Christmas arrives I know of one palomino pony that will receive an instant loving reception by two grandchildren. It will be the kind of reception that I would wish for every person who comes to check out an AHA chapter.
I hope your AHA chapter will discuss and carry out plans for recruiting new members during the winter months, and then you can enjoy more fellowship when the riding season begins for your chapter.
Charles R Brown
AHA President