Yesterday was a half day at school for the kids. It was the first time we’ve seen sun in about 8 days. So I decided there was no better place to be than outside at the barn. I detached from every digital thing I own. All. Day. Long. Unplugging from electronics on a regular basis is slowly becoming a necessity for me to stay sane.
I did groundwork and rode Savez most of the morning. After school, the girls and I hung out with the horses until dark. We literally just hung around and did nothing but lounge with the herd outside. Might sound crazy, but it was wonderful. Nature and animals are my sedative.
Our pony, Marlee, with his mommy.
This is Tajha [pronounced Tay-hah]. She belongs to one of the boarders at the barn. Tajha loves children.
The feeling is mutual.
Savez doing what she loves best.
The mares (females) and geldings (males who are “fixed”) are turned out in different parts of the property so there isn’t any funny business. Yes, there is still flirting even though the boys are fixed. Geldings will fight over females. That gets pretty dangerous.
Here’s Zeus watching the mares. He’s in love with Savez. Zeus is a talented show horse – very dashing in his jumps. He and his owner, Ashley, almost always win champion in the shows. I love him because he’s sweet.
Savez must have noticed he was watching.
Here is what geldings do all day. Eat. Then play. And play some more. That’s Frank on the left and J.T. on the right. Look how dirty Frank is from rolling in the mud. Boys.
Here’s what mares do. That’s Savez on the right and her friend, Belle, on the left. Don’t let the innocent faces fool you, when those two get an idea, they are our biggest trouble makers at the barn…very crafty. Last week they broke into the tack room and ate a big bag of horse cookies.
Frank has gorgeous blue eyes. He’s named after Sinatra.
Maybe being outside all day yesterday wasn’t the most responsible choice; I came home to 181 emails, a bunch of texts and calls and piled up laundry and dishes…but I had a great day with my girls and a happy heart. I think a regular unplug is a good thing.
QUESTION: What’s your favorite way to unwind?
I‘m Seleta, a city girl living the beach life with my husband, fabulous four offspring, happy horses and frisky fur babies. A former TV personality turned Designer, I love to share the sparkly side of life. Read more 
Want to follow the conversation? Subscribe to this post's comment feed.
Sounds like pure heaven…I am going to do this when I am in Denver for sure. Hope to connect with old pals Jackie & Joanne when there!
Looks like the perfect way to spend a day!
No, this is exactly what life is all about. Emails and laundry? Psht. They don’t (and can’t) compare to spending quality time with loved ones. Making memories…that’s bigger and better than “responsibility” any day!!
I love this post! It even calmed me down just reading it!
p.s. love that Belle and Savez went crazy with the horse cookies!
Reading your post made me smile. Days like that are days that your children will remember. I remember fondly days with my mother when we got out of school early, went to lunch, and played the rest of the day. Although those days were outnumbered 100 to 1 by days characterized by the daily grind, the time spent enjoying an activity together are the memories that stand out the most. Enjoy the time with your family!
good for you to unplug for the day. i think an email can wait a day!
Lazy days at the barn was one of my daughter’s favorite things to do when she had a horse. She would much rather be at the barn than shopping at a mall with friends.
I often think this idea of being plugged in 24/7 is not healthy.
We all need down time, away from all the machines and all the piles.
Hope you did not encounter any piles at the barn.
Great images.
unplug more often and remind us too!
pve
That’s it exactly, time at the barn. I get in my PonyRx. :)
I have a VERY playful off the race track TB gelding and it’s true, he and his two other gelding lovers bite each other ALL DAY long, and playyyyyyy. It’s great to see :)
Sounds like the perfect way to spend a day. I think it’s healthy to unplug every once in awhile and enjoy life. Love all of your new images of the horses. They are beautiful. Hope you saw the movie War Horse, it’s a real tear jerker and beautiful story.
There is always laundry, isn’t there (heavy sigh) ? I just leash up the dog and go for a walk when I need a mental break. Being outside and moving my body are the best therapy.
I have been staring at these images all day. Pure beauty! There is something special about children and horses, their innocence, pure hearts, and playfulness are something to aspire to. And these images capture this perfectly. Thank you for sharing!
That third picture of your daughter hugging the horse is so beautiful! Looks like pure happiness for both of them.
These are great shots. It sounds like a wonderful day. Happy Kiddos plus Happy Mom? Perfect. The photos are all great, but I really love the one of your daughter hugging her buddy. Too sweet.
My favorite way to unwind requires a deserted beach with just the waves crashing, while seagulls chatter back and forth…but since I live in the middle of Texas…we love to unwind with a back road country drive that ends up in the middle of nowhere! The scenery is absolutely beautiful. We talk, we laugh, we discuss and some of us nap…4 yr. old Allie. :) Enjoyed your beautiful post! Glad you take time to relax and unwind!
Some of these images of the girls with the horses are stunning!
Hi Seleta,
It seems that you and your family are great with horses. I thought it was very brave of your daughter to sit on the ground right next to Savez like that. I guess there is a mutual trust there.
I’m in my 30′s now, but when I was around your daughters’ age I loved a book called Adventures of the Little Wooden Horse. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adventures_of_the_Little_Wooden_Horse
Its not about a real horse…well, he does have feelings(!), but I highly recommend this for any equine loving children, its a great read.
Best,
Amy