Resolving Our Resolutions
January 2, 2009
My horse and I have very different visions for 2009.
Holly Clanahan
Walking through Wal-Mart on January 1, you could tell what the marketing gurus had in mind. Fitness DVDs were front and center on the main aisle, as was a device that counted your push-ups. There was something that promised six-pack abs and something else branded to the “Biggest Loser” TV show. Hello, New Year’s resolutions!
I was amused to see that the get-fit gadgets were immediately adjacent to the candy aisle. That’s a resolution I think I could stick to: Eat more Reese’s in 2009.
I’ve got a few more resolutions. Problem is, so does my horse.
Mine: Ride more. The spring shows will be here before you know it, and there’s a clinic at the end of January. Got to get moving!
Junior’s: Ride less. Geez, Louise, I’m busy enough already! There’s a pasture to be mowed. You don’t see it mowing itself, do ya?
Mine: This is a perennial one: Get more organized. If I’m going to get everything done each day, I need to be on task and on target. Probably need to get up earlier, too.
Junior’s: Ooh, did Mom say she was getting up earlier? Because my goal is to be fed earlier. Early to be fed makes a horse healthy, wealthy and wise, right? Or something like that. I could go for more quantity, too, while we’re at it.
Don’t miss the fun, educational and heart-warming stories in the print version of America’s Horse! It goes to all members of the American Quarter Horse Association, and it’ll also keep you in the loop on Association news. We want you to belong!
Junior: I sure do like Danielle, that lady that takes care of my feet. Maybe if I threw shoes more often, I’d get to see her more. Let’s make that a goal.
Me: Um … bad plan! I’m glad you like your farrier and all, but playing horseshoes isn’t my idea of fun. Keep ‘em nailed on, please! How’s that for a goal?
Junior: I do love the red dirt around here. Depending on whether or not it has rained, and how much I roll, I can make myself pink, orange or sorrel. Here’s to more “wardrobe” changes in 2009!
Me: Why, again, do I have a gray horse? Oh, that’s right … because I like trying out every whitening shampoo known to man. Here’s to my continued support of that sector of the market!
Me: I’m going to get up earlier, work harder, spend more time working with the ponies – and I’m going to love every minute of it. Resolution No. 1: Don’t forget how blessed I am to live this lifestyle, sharing my life with the coolest creatures on the planet.
Junior: Awww. Does that mean I get more feed?
Happy riding!
Holly Clanahan
Editor, America’s Horse magazine
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4 Comments on “Resolving Our Resolutions”
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January 7th, 2009 at 9:10 am
I love it, Holly!
One of my resolutions IS to lose that 10 pounds I put on from the start of Congress through the World Show, NRHA Futurity and the holidays. A large box showed up at my casa from Jenny Craig last night. I have this sinking feeling I’d do a lot better on the weight loss deal if I’d change my resolution to RIDE MORE! ‘Cause this kid’s two loves are horses and good ol’ mexican food. And honestly, the ponies packed on a few too many pounds this winter, too. So we both better get cracking. After eating my first JC frozen meal, I think I know how the horses feel when I start cutting back their grain
cm
January 8th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Holly your Hilarious!!!
I felt the same way lastnight at the bookstore while searching for the computer section,I noticed that pretty much everyone in the store was elbow to elbow in the “diet” section. It makes me laugh because all many of my friends ask me” how do you eat so much all the time and stay so thin?” I always say the same thing “come out to the ranch and I’ll show you, I guarentee in one week you will be able to eat what you want when you want” huhh funny no one ever shows up. Oh well at least they always know what their resolution will be. As for the horses I’m pretty sure your junior is corresponding with “the bubby’s!!! hmm some words do travel fast!!
Thanks for your column I’ll be watching.
January 9th, 2009 at 7:56 am
Hey, Junior I think you are hilarious! My Zan Parr Nick thinks just like you! But, of course he’s my Nicker-bud. He’s an easy keeper, but just likes to pack it away whenever he can.
His pasture mate, Aspen, can pack away more than he can. She’s not worried about her figure and loves those baby calves. Yesterday up here on the ice tundra of Wisconsin, one weanling calf sucked on her forelock. Aspen loved the attention, but her forelock froze instantly in our cold weather. She looked like a sorrel Unicorn!
So, the horses are happy that a now fellow equine has found a voice to represent some of the things they would like said to us owners. They ( Nick and Aspen) have had their voices heard for years now.
Rock-on Junior!
Later, Linda ( human) Nick ( horse) and Aspen ( horse)
January 9th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Ha ha!! Careful! Junior’s going to get a big head!! And that’ll mean I have to buy a bigger bridle, halter, etc.!!