HORSE SENSEStraight from the horse's mouth...
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... or the mule's, as the case may be!
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What is horse sense?
People use the phrase "horse sense" interchangeably with "common sense", but in the human world, common sense isn't all that common, is it? In the equine world, on the other hand, common "horse sense" rules. Animals in general view each other and the world in a very practical way. I need food, shelter, safety. Is another creature a friend or a foe? Should I lead or should I follow? They answer questions like that through careful observation, prudent decisions and timely actions.
I've known Mary Lainhart for 20 years, and I'm here to tell you that she isn't just good with animals and in tune with her horses. She's also a careful observer, and she calls it like she sees it. When something needs to be done or said, she does or says it. Simple, huh? Well, not really. She is, after all, "only human." Please join us on the HORSE SENSE page each month as Mary takes a look at the world around us and shares her "horse sense" with Wild Heart Mustangs™ readers. Jean McMillan, Assistant Editor |
The June 2016 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
I want to start by saying I am thrilled that we are now offering advertising opportunities in Wild Heart Mustangs™ e-zine. We now have a Media Kit that can be accessed at the footer of each page, or you can go directly to the Advertising pages located under HOME.
This month we are celebrating the great outdoors and getting back to nature. Wild Heart Mustangs™ has guest writer Brigid O'Donoghue, founder of United Special Sportsman Alliance, sharing all they do for children who disabled or have critical illnesses to get them into nature where they can feel whole again. Lois Dawn Fritz, US Navy, shares her personal struggle with PTSD and how the horses who entered her life healed her. Lois is now giving back to other veterans with her own personal haven, New Freedom Farm. Mustangs are possibly the new Eventing horse of choice, after reading this article and watching the videos of Hwin with Elisa Wallace. Sweet Potato is out of school for the summer, read about what Sweets learned on the Trainer Tips page. Our Vet takes a look at biting insects and the serious effects they can have on not only our equines, but also us. Next we look at natural fly and tick solutions to help you enjoy your summer without chemicals. A day on the river teaches a life lesson while fishing for answers. Samantha Szesciorka prepares for the Nevada Discovery Ride, but first, she shares how wild horses find new lives behind bars and how one of those horses was her horse Sage. Lou Dean shares a second excerpt from her book On My Ass - Riding the Midlife Crisis Trail. This time Lou shares the lesson of listening and understanding. Wild Heart Mustangs™ takes a look at bullying in L'il Buckaroos. A special article written by a 12 year old who is surviving bullying. Bullying is a complicated subject with many facets, but one that must not be ignored. The statistics are alarming when looking at the number of kids who have thought about, attempted, or were successful at suicide all triggered by depression caused by bullying. It is an epidemic that needs to be addressed in a more forceful and serious manner than our schools now do. Homesteading gives an update on the Heritage Pigs Adventure. We have a great recipe for a Steelhead Shore Lunch. Part Two of Essential Oils in your animals' water is discussed. Our essential oil of the month is Lemon...so many uses, you'll want to have this one on hand all the time.
Every issue I ask for readers to share their photos, stories, ideas. This issue is no different. We would love to have you snap a quick photo of your favorite mule, donkey or mustang while you are at the barn and send it to us to share or a quick note about a place you love to trail ride. I also want to thank every reader, personally, for enjoying Wild Heart Mustangs™ e-zine and sharing it with others.
All the best,
Mary Lainhart
This month we are celebrating the great outdoors and getting back to nature. Wild Heart Mustangs™ has guest writer Brigid O'Donoghue, founder of United Special Sportsman Alliance, sharing all they do for children who disabled or have critical illnesses to get them into nature where they can feel whole again. Lois Dawn Fritz, US Navy, shares her personal struggle with PTSD and how the horses who entered her life healed her. Lois is now giving back to other veterans with her own personal haven, New Freedom Farm. Mustangs are possibly the new Eventing horse of choice, after reading this article and watching the videos of Hwin with Elisa Wallace. Sweet Potato is out of school for the summer, read about what Sweets learned on the Trainer Tips page. Our Vet takes a look at biting insects and the serious effects they can have on not only our equines, but also us. Next we look at natural fly and tick solutions to help you enjoy your summer without chemicals. A day on the river teaches a life lesson while fishing for answers. Samantha Szesciorka prepares for the Nevada Discovery Ride, but first, she shares how wild horses find new lives behind bars and how one of those horses was her horse Sage. Lou Dean shares a second excerpt from her book On My Ass - Riding the Midlife Crisis Trail. This time Lou shares the lesson of listening and understanding. Wild Heart Mustangs™ takes a look at bullying in L'il Buckaroos. A special article written by a 12 year old who is surviving bullying. Bullying is a complicated subject with many facets, but one that must not be ignored. The statistics are alarming when looking at the number of kids who have thought about, attempted, or were successful at suicide all triggered by depression caused by bullying. It is an epidemic that needs to be addressed in a more forceful and serious manner than our schools now do. Homesteading gives an update on the Heritage Pigs Adventure. We have a great recipe for a Steelhead Shore Lunch. Part Two of Essential Oils in your animals' water is discussed. Our essential oil of the month is Lemon...so many uses, you'll want to have this one on hand all the time.
Every issue I ask for readers to share their photos, stories, ideas. This issue is no different. We would love to have you snap a quick photo of your favorite mule, donkey or mustang while you are at the barn and send it to us to share or a quick note about a place you love to trail ride. I also want to thank every reader, personally, for enjoying Wild Heart Mustangs™ e-zine and sharing it with others.
All the best,
Mary Lainhart
ON A PERSONAL NOTE...
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Human beings are a peculiar breed. I spend probably too much time trying to figure them out. I find that for most, there is a desire to be unique, to stand out in the crowd, to be different than everyone else. This can be achieved in a variety of ways…physical appearance (makeup, hairstyles, clothing, tattoos, piercings), possessions (designer dogs, custom paint jobs on our vehicles, custom vehicles, custom houses), personal talents (artist, athlete, trainer, author). It is acceptable to prefer the fancy dog, the flashy horse, the pet no one has ever seen before. Every single one of these is an example of how we express who we are and how we are special.
It is a beautiful thing that God has created each one of us an individual. Like snowflakes, no two people are exactly the same. I understand that part of human beings. I am no different. The part that is perplexing to me is that when God creates someone who is especially special, many human beings have a difficult time accepting them or embracing them for their uniqueness. They are not “normal”, they don’t “fit in”. Here is where it becomes confusing. We want to be different, but can’t accept those who God made different? This is the paradox. Those who God has chosen to be especially special, on the other hand, want nothing more than to "fit in" and be like everybody else. Then I ask WHY? Why do so many people have such a hard time being accepting? Were they not taught as children this beautiful gift of uniqueness from God? Were they not taught that we are all different and to be accepting. Were they not taught to look beyond the outside and see what is within? Why were they not taught? Is it habitual from generation to generation? Were they robbed of compassion growing up? Are they scared of what they do not understand? Are they too smug to open their hearts and change? Do they feel they are superior and better than everyone else? The whole subject is puzzling to me. 
Wolves, singling out the weakest from the herd
Buck took me to breakfast the other day and there was a woman there who was especially special. She spoke loudly, she said hello to everyone and everything as she was seated to her booth with her mom and dad. She had no inhibitions and saw the world with a childlike innocence. I stopped to think, how lucky she is. She will always have, what most “normal” adults have lost years ago. Rather than being singled out and ostracized or bullied, she had so much to share with all of us.
Then that leads me to what is “normal” anyway? “Normal” changes over the course of time. Normal changes with our society, our educational system, our beliefs. Are any of us really “normal”?
We all look different, talk different, see the world in different ways. So why is it so hard to be accepting? God’s especially special people in this world – whether born that way, through circumstances, or by illness – all have a lesson to teach us if we would only take the time to know them and to listen. They all have beautiful gifts, the same as us, to share with the world. We should be their champions: to have them be heard, to protect them from the ignorant, to be their friends, to be their voice when they have not found their own. Isn’t THAT what separates us from the rest of the animal kingdom? Isn’t that what elevates us as human beings? I have seen animals treat animals of another species in kinder more compassionate ways than I have seen humans treat each other. Maybe that is why animals help us heal and become whole, when people cannot. When I sit in the quiet of the woods or at the barn with my animals, I find a healing peace that I cannot usually find with people. We are human beings, after all, we are not perfect. Everyone makes mistakes. But as human beings – should we not learn from those mistakes, strive to become better people? We have the ability and the cognitive gift to reason, to make a difference, to change in a positive direction. Isn’t it time we all begin to use it?
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I have been blessed throughout my life to have many especially special people in it. My sister, Darlene, was mentally retarded. She functioned educationally and socially as about a 15-year old as an adult. She was bullied, ostracized, taken advantage of. She was a trusting soul who loved everyone and especially loved animals. She saw the world in a better way than most – which made her a target to those in this world who are predators. Not unlike wolves, looking to prey on those who are “weaker” than the rest of the herd. Aren’t human’s supposed to be of higher intelligence than the rest of the animal kingdom? Shouldn’t we expect to be above that as a species? 
A burl results from a tree undergoing some form of stress. It may be caused by an injury, virus or fungus. Most burls grow beneath the ground, attached to the roots as a type of malignancy that is generally not discovered until the tree dies or falls over. Such burls sometimes appear as groups of bulbous protrusions connected by a system of rope-like roots. Almost all burl wood is covered by bark, even if it is underground. Insect infestation and certain types of mold infestation are the most common causes of this condition.
Burls yield a very peculiar and highly figured wood, prized for its beauty and rarity. It is sought after by furniture makers, artists, and wood sculptors. If this tree were a person, scared and gnarled by life, would others accept it as being beautiful and special? 
Photo credit - Solent News and Photos
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Animals of different species, not only accepting each other, but caring for one another as well.
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WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND?
We love to hear from our readers! Wild Heart Mustangs™ is a community endeavor, meant for people who want to share their experiences, stories, dedications. You don't have to be an expert or writer or equine professional. We're here for you, your equines your homestead, your family. Please write in and share about your mustang, burro, donkey or mule. Ask questions; make suggestions; make a dedication to veteran to thank them for their service to our country. Share a place that you love to trail ride. Let us know if there is something you love about the e-zine or something you would like see or know more about. And it's easy! << Just click on the envelope and write whatever you want us to know. |
