The Gift of a Lifetime

As the holiday season starts to gallop into high gear it is easy to hit the malls and become overwhelmed with all that is new out there to buy for your family and friends for special gifts.

Technology is wonderful and has its place in our lives. It is here to stay, and yes, somehow we must find the time and inclination to keep up with it all. Clothes and fashion, the delights of the latest apparel for keeping warm and keeping cool, stylin' our way downtown are all great gift ideas.

But have you overlooked the gift of a lifetime? Perhaps one you, yourself received eons ago? No - I am not suggesting you pull a horse from a rescue and put that pony under the tree. Christmas is a terrible time to bring any new animal home. What about the gift of riding lessons?

Many trainers offer gift certificates for an intro lesson or lesson packages at discounts. You may have a friend who yearns to get back in the saddle but spends so much time wrapped up in kids and spouse they have no opportunity to get back to horses. Or maybe you have a kid who you know needs to get their face outside and away from the intense lure of the video games and screens. What a great opportunity to show them the world of horses.

I won't bore you with lectures about how taking responsibility for an animal - its welfare, its day to day needs are great life lessons for everyone. I'm sure if you are reading this you already know.

Training is also a great gift for the rider in your world including yourself. We all need to improve and keep educating ourselves and regular lessons are a must. Pick up a lesson package and you'll benefit from discount pricing too.

Shop local - ask around for recommendations. Check out our Directory of Horse Instructors at Catskill Horse magazine. Support your local equestrian community by placing your dollars in their hands instead of the shareholders of Walmart and the rest.

Go ahead, treat them! Treat yourself.

When the holidays are long gone, that first or return lesson to horse riding will be there waiting, and what comes next? Hopefully a lifetime of love, passion, ups and downs, life lessons and fantastic memories and connection with that lovely beastie, the horse.