Several years ago I was fortunate enough to be double-barrel kicked in the chest by a horse and not only live to tell about it, but suffer only minor injuries. After a brief scare that I’d fractured my skull hitting the concrete as I fell backward out of the horse’s stall, it came to light that I in fact just had a decent concussion and some minor trauma to my back.

I’d had concussions before, but none with symptoms that lingered as long as this one. Muscle relaxers weren’t far from reach for a couple weeks after, as my back was prone to seizing, and I didn’t ride for 2-3 weeks (“not until the headaches stop,” the doctor had told me). However, in the grand scheme of things, I was very lucky.

Continue reading Sympathy for Smarty →

I just got out of the shower and quickly dressed, running late to a rare outing with friends because, surprise, work at the barn took longer than expected. I’m as off the clock as I can be as I jump into my truck, and the phone rings. Taking a quick glance at the caller ID as I start the engine, I note that it’s someone who got a horse from me several months ago.  Already running late, I decide to silence the call and barrel down the road, letting the caller go to voicemail.

Halfway to my destination I flip on the voicemail and put it on speaker, curious as to what’s going on. This lady had gotten one horse from me, returned it a week later for a valid reason, and tried a second. Initial reports with the second included that she was in love and when a few months pass without contact, I assume no-news is good news.

Continue reading An imperfect process →