A JOB WITH BENEFITS
Originally published in Horse Directory, July 2015
By Tom Gumbrecht
I’ll be 62 this month. For some, that means thoughts of
retirement, but for me, being self-employed, not so much. I enjoy my work
anyway. Still, it has fostered thoughts of what life will be like when the
aging process continues it's slow erosion of a body whose work and recreation
have been of the physical kind. I've been lucky in that regard, so far.
Sometimes the physical demands of horsekeeping can be great. |
The prospect of one day being on a fixed income brings other
concerns about sustaining a horsey lifestyle. Even owning the facilities and
doing all of the work ourselves, it's still a significant expense. We've moved
on from competing regularly and although we still train, it's for the continual
development of horse and rider rather than the clear goals of competition. We
do take the horses to the park for trail rides as time and weather permit, but
it seems that most of what we do consists of horse care and farm maintenance.
That's the side of the story as might be told by a financial
planner, but as we all know, there's more to it than that, and another kind of
cost/ benefit analysis:
I have a reason to
wake up early each day. The first hour of every day is spent in a tranquil
environment where I am gently but enthusiastically greeted by soft nickers and
soft eyes that say “welcome.”
It's said that there is much peace to be found in
organization and routine, and that may be part of the reason that I feel so
peaceful in the barn. It is one area of my life that is well organized and the
routine is familiar.
Much is said about the benefits of living life from the
point of view of gratitude; it's kind of the latest pop-psych buzzword. Our
barn is a world filled with mutual gratitude that is clearly expressed when I
take the
time to listen. Intentions are clear, and there are no hidden agendas.
Actions are the main tools of communication and words are unnecessary. The is
no ambiguity here. What you see is what you get. Relationships are easy when
you always know where you stand.
The author, Samantha and DannyBoy introduce grandbaby Daniel to the world of horses |
I was able to uncover a hidden passion for horses that
transcended riding, not to downplay that part. But I discovered within me
certain qualities, a patience, a teach-ability if you will, and the willingness
to care for ill and injured horses. When a human is sick or injured, my
immediate reaction is to call someone equipped to handle it, and take the role
of support staff. When an animal is injured, my reaction us to jump in immediately,
do what I can, and call for help later if needed. Are my priorities misplaced?
I don't know. Theses are qualities that have surfaced that I seem to have been
born with, so I attempt to make the most of them.
It's a nice thing to start and end each day with the feeling
of accomplishment of clear needs squarely met. It helps to balance the
frustrations that daily life and business can sometimes bring. People make
extensive plans to attend spiritual retreats in order to connect more closely
with a Higher Power, God, the Great Spirit, the Universe or whatever name we
wish to give a power greater than ourselves. I have the privilege of living
such a retreat daily, at least for a few hours.