Students and Horses

Hollins University has a strong equestrian program with a lovely stable full of extremely well-cared for horsies. I've written before about going up on Sundays and grooming the horses - it was my zen every summer when I returned to teach. Sadly, since campus is now where I work full-time, that is something I haven't been doing as much of. So, when one of my students, Caroline, expressed interest in pursuing a stable job and asked if I would be willing to introduce her to the folks at the barn (she's a bit shy), I jumped at the chance——but not just to introduce her to the fine folks who manage the stable, but to also introduce her to what working at the barn might be like. I introduced her to Elise, the barn manager. She met and petted all the dogs. With her calm demeanor, all the critters loved Caroline. The farrier was there that day too, so she got to see a horse being shoed. It was a busy day at the barn! Luckily, I'd called ahead, so they were expecting us and already had a horse ready for us to brush. This is "Also." One of the students working at the barn showed Caroline how to clean out his hoofs and pointed out how to avoid the "frog" (the triangle of the hoof that has feeling in it).She showed her how to walk with a horse (always on the left).We watched some of the riding lessons for a while. Students were trotting (and posting) and cantering - things that I never need to do again. Then we went to the back stables where Phil was mucking out a stall. Phil is a former Math teacher. He shared how he loves the calm, beauty, and physical labor of working at the stables. I can relate. I used to be a groom for the Atlanta Polo Club and I love being in stables. Even mucking out a stall is enjoyable. Phil let Caroline try it out. Of course, the big payoff of working hard in the stable is seeing the beautiful Hollins' view spread out before you. The whole experience simply does a heart good. Happily, Caroline has been back and has found her happy place. No surprise there. It's long been my happy place too!