WHY I KEEP THE OLD HORSES
A young man stood in the entrance way to the stable trying to understand the connection with horses that his girlfriend seem obsessed with. As we chatted he hesitated for a moment before asking the question. “Why do you keep all these old horses?” he said. “They aren’t being used anymore, why don’t you take them to auction like other stables do?” he added. I smiled and looked out to the south. Trying to explain it isn’t always about economics, I began my sermon.
“The ribbons may be faded, the applause silenced, but the memories of good rides and victory passes never leave.” He cracked a smile as I went on. “Some of these horses I’ve bred, raised and trained. Many I have purchased. Some have been donated back to farm by their owners when they could no longer ride them. All have worked hard; all have trusted me with their welfare.” I smiled back at him and then continued. “They are in fact an extension of myself. I care for them as I would like to be cared for.” I went on. “Just because our bones are aged and some of us don’t stride as easily or gracefully as our younger counterparts, we are wise.” My visitor strained his ears to listen for more. “When they have aches and pains, I treat them. When they are tired, I rest them. And when I can no longer ease suffering, they are laid to rest by my veterinarian.” I looked to the gravesite as I went on. “You see this horse business is an emotional business. It is unlike any other job you will have. These horses are a gift that are lent to us for a short time. We have a duty to care for them and not betray them. They have a history with humankind and I don’t mean being displayed on a dinner plate.” I continued with my sermon sadly acknowledging that the kill pen is the last stop for many unfortunate horses. “When you take on a horse, you take on a financial responsibility. It shouldn’t be an impulsive purchase. You can never tire of it and throw the horse away when you are done with it.” My visitor’s face was softening as I pointed to a headstone. “I have a conscience that makes me at ease in my heart knowing my old friends have lived and passed on the lands they freely roamed and enjoyed. I gave them dignity in life and death and loved them all.” As I turned back to face the young man, I noticed a small tear roll down his cheek. I think he got my message.
Neuroscientists Strongly Recommend That You Visit the Beach Regularly. Here’s Why You Should Do So!
Coastal breezes are good for your soul, seawater is good for your skin and swimming is good for your heart. This means that the seaside is one of the best places for a revitalizing and healthy break.
So, next time you take several days off work, choose a holiday beside the seaside.
6 Reasons Why You Should Choose a Holiday beside the Seaside:
– Seawater is good for your body and skin
Seawater is good for your body and skin. It’s rich in minerals such as calcium, iodine, potassium, chloride, magnesium, and sodium. These minerals may offer therapeutic effects, fight infection, improve your skin health, and help your body detoxify and heal.
Seawater may also help with seasonal allergies. Swimming in seawater may help activate temperature receptors under your skin, releasing hormones like endorphins and adrenaline. It may also help boost your immune system and alleviate pains and aches throughout your body.
– Sea air helps improve your respiratory health
Walks along the beach may alleviate asthma symptoms. While the psychological freedom of escaping from city smog to the clear skies of the seas greatly helps you breathe better, the quality of sea air itself plays an important role in respiratory health.
Sea air possesses tiny droplets of sea water enriched with magnesium, iodine, and other trace elements that may stimulate immune reactions by your respiratory organs and skin and effectively clear up your airways.
– Sunlight is the best source of vitamin D
When your skin is directly exposed to the sun, your body makes vitamin D, which helps with the absorption of calcium and building strong bones. Vitamin D is also used throughout your body to support cardiovascular, lung and immune health. It may also increase the level of endorphins in your body and reduce your risk of autoimmune diseases.
Only ten minutes of sun exposure may provide you with the recommended daily dose. But, when you head out into the sun for more than ten minutes, apply sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher and wear protective clothing.
– Swimming provides great physical exercise
Swimming provides great physical exercise, employing most of your major muscle groups, particularly as the water provides gentle resistance. It ranks as the 4th most popular sports activity in the U.S.
Among other aerobic activities such as bicycling and running, swimming for about 2.5 hours per week may help improve your heart health and decrease your risk of chronic diseases.
And as it is a non-impact sport, it offers an excellent way for those with injuries or arthritis to get some exercise.
– Walking barefoot on sand is good for your body and mind
The soles of your feet have more nerve-endings and sweat glands per cm2 than any other body part. Walking barefoot on sand may significantly stimulate these nerve-endings and sweat glands.
It may also boost your mood, and help you feel mentally grounded. It may also strengthen all the muscles between your back and feet, particularly your glutes, quadriceps, and calves.
– The beach gives you the gift of total relaxation
The beach may give you the gift of total relaxation. That sense of relaxation may bring you back to your life with a de-cluttered mind and a renewed sense of purpose. Just staring at the beach may reduce your stress, alleviate depression and anxiety, and increase your sense of well-being. It may calm your mind and make you feel more relaxed and less anxious. Also, the sound of seagulls and waves may help your stress fade away.
When you feel relaxed, your emotional and creative side may come to the fore and you may become open to new ideas.
