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 May 2016 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
"Blending in" at the Rocester, NY Lilac Festival
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May is a month filled with recognition, dedication, and love. Not only because we have both Mother’s Day and Memorial Day, but our May Issue is also filled with all those things. Lou Dean shares an excerpt from her book Riding My Ass – in which she embarks on a long distance ride across Colorado to promote non-violence in schools. Sara Carter, founder of Haven Hills Therapeutic Riding Center, enlightens us to how amazing therapeutic riding is for not only the participants, but also those who volunteer to help in her program. Through programs, like hers, miracles do happen in ways no one could ever expect. Makayla Cordova shares her Dream Come True, taking us on her journey with her two adopted BLM mustangs. Our Vet Talk shares important information on Spring shots and de-worming to keep our equines safe and healthy. We have a special Riding Freedoms Trail with an article by Sherry Cook telling us the uniqueness of being a military mom. Jean McMillan shares a very special tribute to her mom, a military veteran, which signifies that being a veteran is not an occupation, it is the very fiber of that person’s being.
I have tried for the past few years to find a therapeutic riding program in my area, for which to volunteer. I have had no luck. It saddens me that there are not more around. I am a very strong believer in the benefits of working with equines, both on the ground and in the saddle. Their healing abilities far exceed what medical guru’s can comprehend. I implore any mother, father or caretaker to look for alternate therapies when medical science has given you no hope. I am a strong believer in faith, and that miracles do happen. If you put your faith in God, give him your burdens and are open to receiving his help with an open heart and open mind – all things are possible. When you asking for a miracle… be open minded to what God puts in your path…. It just may have 4 legs. The winner for April for joining the Wild Heart Mustangs™ mailing list is Susan Timmers! Susan will be receiving a unique Wild Heart Mustangs™ gift! If you are on Facebook and you are a Wild Heart Mustangs™ fan, please share our e-zine on your Facebook page! All the best, Mary Lainhart |
ON A PERSONAL NOTE...
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The month of May is a lot of things to me, perhaps the most meaningful month of the year. In our neck of the woods, May is the beginning of spring. Flowers and trees are blooming, the threat of snow is minimal, I start planning my flower gardens and my plants are started for my vegetable garden. I am happiest at the barn or with my hands in the dirt growing something. So May is a time of rejuvenation and excitement for me.
Traditionally, at the beginning of May my mom and I would make our annual, first of the year, trek to the Regional Farmer’s Market. Some of my best childhood memories are about going there…all the beautiful flowers, the fresh vegetables, crafts, fresh baked goods. When I was a child, there used to be people selling their bunnies, puppies, chicks…I had to stop and pet all of them…my mom was forever losing me. It was my favorite place to go and was the place where I was hardest to keep track of, so it got to a point where mom wouldn’t take me every time because she couldn’t accomplish anything with me along. Not much has changed with me as an adult, I still have to stop and look at everything… overwhelmed by the new flowers each year…planning gardens in my head as I look at each one. Mumsy (as I affectionately called my mom) was my best friend. Going to the market in early May was a time of excitement for both of us. We looked forward to it: it was our girl’s day, her Mother’s Day and my birthday, all in one. We had a routine. Take the vehicle that would hold the most plants. Get there super early to get a good parking spot and the first pick on all the stuff before it was picked over. I had my coffee in hand, and first stop was to get a Whoopie Pie to go with it from the Amish vendor. Then we would start at the first barn and work our way through everything…making mental notes on what we wanted to get for our gardens and picking up fresh veggies, local cheeses and treats along the way. After the first sweep, we would go back with a plan and conquer all that we needed to start our spring gardens. It was our tradition and that is what we did for decades. Mumsy passed away in 2010, but I still make my annual trek to the Farmer’s Market. She is with me as I walk through each barn, looking at each flower and remembering what were her favorites. I pick some of her favorites up and plant a special garden in memory of her at my house. I am closest to her in the garden – I can feel her with me. Even though the pain of her passing is like it was yesterday…for that time with my hands in the dirt, being one with the earth, I feel like she is hugging me and smiling…comforting me like no one else ever could and we are still together. 
...and Rio Grande turkeys in Texas (left) .... and Merriam turkeys in the Black Hills of Wyoming and South Dakota (right)
Buck surprised Mary after their wedding with an authentic Plains Teepee that he made, complete with cutting down the lodge poles himself. It was beautiful to spend a night in it gazing up at the stars
Our May 1st wedding day
(and YES, Buck was up and out of the house before daylight to hunt turkeys) And finally, May signifies Memorial Day. When I was a child, my mom (a veteran of the Korean War) marched in the Memorial Day parade with the American Legion. She would sing the National Anthem at the War Memorial for the ceremonies. I grew up understanding the true meaning of Memorial Day. The sacrifice of the soldiers who protect our country and allow us to live in freedom. Nowadays, it saddens my heart to see the lack of patriotism and honor for our country. It angers me that children are not taught about the true meaning of Memorial Day and that all it is viewed as, is a long weekend with a day off from school for them. I for one am not afraid to say, “God Bless America.” Take your hat off during the national anthem, put your hand over your heart and be proud of this country you live in and show some respect. Respect for the people who died for your freedom and respect for our nation.
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At the Syracuse, New York Regional Farmer's Market
Syracuse Regional Farmer's Market
May is also special because that's when Buck and became friends…while turkey hunting. I was single for quite some time before I dated Buck. Every year I did something to challenge myself or to grow. I became a Reiki Master over the course of several of those years. This particular year, I decided to get my hunting license. My dad hunted; I worked at a wildlife preserve where there was hunting, so I figured why not? Give it a whirl!
So, I completed my hunter safety course, got my license and was all set….except….I had no one to take me hunting. Buck volunteered, as he was a hunting guide and had taken multitudes of first time hunters out for a variety of game. And so we began to hunt. And so we developed a friendship. I was pretty sure he had to be the most patient person ever… because I was not one to sit still or be quiet. I had lots of experience with handguns, but had never shot a shotgun before. We spent many hours, looking for turkeys, finding turkeys, calling turkeys, having turkeys come in and me missing them. I did finally get one that May and that was the beginning of my hunting career. To commemorate the beginning of our friendship during turkey season… it seemed only fitting that we would also get married during it. We got married on May 1st – the beginning of turkey season in New York state. We had to have our wedding in the afternoon or the groom would not be present (hunting ends at noon for turkeys here). The theme of our wedding… turkeys, hunting and equines of course. We got married at our barn in our round pen, had a Native American ceremony, with our friends, family and our horses and mules all present. It was a very spiritual beginning to our life together. 
Mary Lorraine Webster Durosko, Pvt
US Army (1951-1952), WAC – Korean War 
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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. |
