Editor’s Postcard

Cherishing Every Day by Catherine Madera   “I’m having a senior moment.” This is a common lament for those struggling with the aging process. Life is a journey of seasons. Instead of the good things that come with age—increased confidence, wisdom, and skill—it’s the negative that so often is our …

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The Value of Experience by Catherine Madera   “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth” is a familiar proverb. Since a horse’s approximate age—and thus their value in “using years”—can be determined by its teeth the verse is effectively saying, “When you receive a gift, don’t jump to conclusions …

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Wellness is a Mind/Body Connection by Catherine Madera   Is your horse happy? A hundred years ago no cowboy, or girl, would waste time pondering this question. Today, most horse owners I know are concerned about the mental state of their horse, specifically if it is “happy.” What does this …

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How to Stay Fit and Inspired by Catherine Madera   Outside of riding horses, I’ve never been very interested in sports. This is why my husband worked extra hard convincing me to join him on a 30-and-over soccer team last June. When the day of our first game rolled around—like, …

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A Cell Phone Education by Catherine Madera   Even the name was intimidating: Smart Phone. It’s only logical to assume that such a phone requires an intelligent operator. What if I wasn’t smart enough? “Less is more,” I told myself. Eventually I broke down and bought an iPhone (yes, even …

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Finding a Horse for the Job by Catherine Madera   When I was a girl, the most annoying comment I heard about my physical appearance was this: “You’re tall—you must play basketball!” Apparently, the genes which determined my above average stature automatically gave me talent and a desire for the game, …

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My Best Training Tool by Catherine Madera   Last month a halter worn by equine superstar Zenyatta sold at auction for over $6,000. Dubbed “The Queen of Racing,” Zenyatta soared to popularity after breaking numerous records on the track. She failed to win the 2010 Breeder’s Cup Classic (placing second), …

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Don’t Forget to Enjoy Your Horse By Catherine Madera   I have a dream…to do flying lead changes (on purpose). I’m no Martin Luther King Jr., but dreams are for horses, too. My first attempts to teach flying changes occurred in a neighbor’s field when I was about 15. I …

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Equine Events for Everyone by Catherine Madera   I started my year of equine event attendance early, and with a bang, by attending the National Finals Rodeo in December. The shopping and action are similar, in some ways, to an Expo experience—pumped up on steroids! I saw things in Vegas …

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Celebrating a Grand Passion by: Catherine Madera   Riding a horse is not a gentle hobby, to be picked up and laid down like a game of solitaire. It is a grand passion. It seizes a person whole and, once it has done so, he will have to admit that …

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