On Becoming Virtuous by Catherine Madera I’ve heard it said that praying for patience is a bad idea. Why? God will immediately send you a situation that requires it. Most of us struggle with patience, but as horse people it is a virtue that is truly critical to attain. … Read More
The Daily Educational Opportunities of Life with Horses by Catherine Madera After 5 years of riding my Arabian stallion, Eli, I feel I know him very well. I know when he’s happy, insecure, or cranky. I know his idiosyncrasies pretty much inside and out. That’s why it was humbling … Read More
When Your Partner Doesn’t Share Your Passion by Catherine Madera My husband Mark had no idea what he was getting into when he married me. We met during my one horse-less stage when I lived in a southern California city. Children soon followed and my equine passions lay dormant … Read More
Stretch Your Comfort Zone to Build Confidence by Catherine Madera It’s well into spring as I write this and the ground is erupting with firsts: first dandelions, first green grass on bare pasture, first baby birds. There’s a lot of excitement, expectation and maybe even fear surrounding a first … Read More
by Catherine Madera I remember the first time I heard the term “slow food.” Immediately I pondered how food could be slow and why I should take the pace of my food into consideration. When I looked the term up I found this is not a fad, it is … Read More
What Is Your Horse Born to Do? by Catherine Madera Spring is here, bursting with freshness and raw potential. Okay, maybe it’s a little soggy yet in most of the Pacific Northwest, but sun is on the way and new growth is guaranteed. Spring is the season of hope … Read More
by Catherine Madera I like to ride alone. It’s not that I don’t enjoy company—a buddy always adds to the fun—but my nature often craves solitude. In the gorgeous Pacific Northwest finding peace is easy on mountain trails as I share quiet communion with my horse, Eli. However, as … Read More
by Catherine Madera I read once that “writing is listening.” In life, writers are always listening for what’s under the surface: deep truths, sorrow and joy unexpressed. These precious things are captured and used for inspiration. I believe that true equine lifestyle is not about the kind of horse … Read More
Plan New Things to Do with Horses in 2014 by Catherine Madera Recently, I was asked to go on a trail ride while at a writer’s workshop in Arizona. I almost said No. Not because I don’t like to ride, but because I don’t care to ride the type … Read More
Horse Sense for the Holidays by Catherine Madera ‘Tis the season to hurry, hurry, hurry. As I write this, Thanksgiving is around the corner and I feel my thoughts amping up. By mid-December I’m usually tired of Christmas, and all its busy “cheer.” Before I allow myself to get … Read More
