President Letter

I have to tell you why I like spring. As I’m writing this letter, it’s St. Patrick’s Day, it’s cold outside and we’ve just had our largest snowfall of this winter season. But I don’t care. You see I’m pretty confident that by the time you receive this newsletter, it should be April and things will be different.

In all my years around here, I feel that most people I’ve asked or have given me their opinion on the weather, like the autumn best. Everyone has their reasons, but most are likely to admit that warm days of wearing a light sweater and the foliage of the season, make it a favorite for them. Now don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing amiss with 60-degree days and leaves filled with vibrant colors, but I like spring better!

Autumn, like the other seasons has its place. Springtime however is different. The 60-degree day of spring is warmer and feels better on your skin. The colors of the new flowers bursting through the ground and the colors on the awakened trees set off a myriad of sights and smells that reawakens your senses telling them that all the world is starting anew. It not only tells you, but every other creature too. If you pay attention, oftentimes they let you understand what spring says to them.

For instance, I’m not a birdwatcher, but I do enjoy watching and listening to the birds returning to set up shop. The robins are the harbingers of spring, but I like the bluebirds resting on the paddock fence and swallows getting the barn ready for their babies. The red-winged blackbirds start nesting in the front field, the turkeys look for roosting space and the red tail hawks soar high overhead keeping an eye on everything. The birds are definitely the most talkative animals that visit us, but if you really want to be courteous and listen closely, the deer, fox, groundhog, frogs, turtles and even the grasshoppers have something to say about spring. Generally, like me, they’re glad it’s back.

I’m sure some of you might be thinking, if one runs a horse rescue, what about the horses and spring? Valid point. However, when you listen to the horses talk to you everyday, sometimes you just block them out. Just like Lynda listening to my inane conversations. But, with all due diligence, I will include some of the barnyard chatter that the horses are saying with the advent of spring.

Marie, Robin and Jessica are happy, because with spring coming, they can keep to themselves in the girls paddock and not have to socialize with Millie and Tullullah. Robin is especially happy to add fresh grass as another food group. Millie is also happy for the same reasons, while Tullullah is ambivalent. Bubbles is happy because she wants to shed her coat and keep her hooves dry.

Dutchess, Lollipop and Sweetie Pie are excited because at ages 47, 43 and 40, respectively, they just feel better when spring arrives. Fozzy is happy; because she thinks the spring will make Lucky feel better. Lucky just wants to feel better.

The boys; Bear, Lefty, Markie, Lenny, Popper and Mikey are looking forward to late nights and long weekends doing what boys do.

The ponies; Damey, Petie, Barney and Ronin have differing opinions on spring. Damey was enclosed in a very small paddock in his previous home. He now has two large paddocks to play in. At age 40 and having all this room and fresh grass, he can’t see any downside. Barney is 40 too. However, Barney is worried that Ronin will escape his paddock this spring looking for adventure and not bring Barney along. Ronin is worried because he wants to escape his paddock this spring and is afraid Barney will ‘rat him out’ to Mike and Lynda. Ronin really wants to break into the boys paddock and enjoy late nights and long weekends doing what boys do.

Lastly, there’s Petie. Petie is the holder of the secrets and doings of the barn at Equine Rescue, Inc. He also has a hoof problem that limits his mobility. He knows that with spring, he can walk to the front lawn, relax by the wading pool, sightsee in the front field and just enjoy all the fresh sights, sounds and smells of spring. He can recluse himself from the rest of his society for a while and immerse himself in all the other pleasures spring provides. He disassociates himself from the scuttlebutt of above and creates his own harmony. I’m with Petie.

I wish you health, happiness and prosperity. I hope you give yourself the comfort of your own society. Most of all, as nature renews, I want you to listen and see the rest life has to offer. That’s why I like spring.

Peace,

Mike Broas
President, Equine Rescue, Inc.

S. To have a closer look at our ‘residents’, check them out on this issue’s centerfold!