Age is a funny thing. The young wish they were older and the older often pine for the days of better health and a more moderate pace of life. Diving into this Senior Horse Issue has prompted me to think more about the aging process.

I have had many reminders of that process these days with our family dog, Caddie. She’s fourteen and very arthritic. All the remedies and efforts to make her more comfortable are helping but the fact remains… she’s old. We took what I’m sure will be our last walk together this past week. She has gradually slowed down over the past couple of years but on this last walk, she just stopped and looked up pathetically at me with those beautiful brown eyes. I knew she couldn’t keep going.

I couldn’t help thinking about the comfort she has provided through the years; a true companion to just sit there and be close when I was sad or frustrated. Although it isn’t spoken, there’s wisdom and friendship in those old eyes.

Then I began to think about the age and wisdom of our older generation and how often it is overlooked as outdated. It seems so easy to get caught up in instant gratification and the throw-away mentality that looks for the latest.

I questioned why it is so easy to discard our aging friends for the young and beautiful.

My senior mare, Dawn has been an incredible gift. She was an inexpensive yet well-bred horse who’s given me years of enjoyable rides and companionship. When I purchased her she had deep visible scars on her left front leg. She was damaged goods. If I had looked at that leg instead of the whole horse I would have walked away never experiencing the joy she has brought to my life.

This past weekend Dawn and I had the privilege of attending the Northwest Therapeutic Ride-A-Thon in Birch Bay, Washington. Numerous riders and hikers strolled through beautiful park-like fields and woods, enjoying a perfect sunny fall day while raising money for this local charity. It is a privilege to be part of an organization that is dedicated to the care and development of those with special needs. If you missed the ride and would like to learn more about how to help this organization please visit www.nwtrc.org.

As I reflect on the treasure I have had in Dawn I think about those of you who are new to horses. Why not give the older, broke horses a chance to teach you something? It’s easy to get caught up with looks and youth and overlook the valuable lessons these older friends can teach us.

This month you will read some heartwarming stories of some of these equine seniors and the lessons and experiences they gave their owners (See page 4). You will also find important information to help you care for your aging horse.

On a recent sunny fall day, my husband Mark and I played hooky from work and attended the “Ride Around the World” big screen experience held at the IMAX-Boeing Theater at the Pacific Science Center in Seattle, Washington. The film transports you from the Four Sixes Ranch in Texas to such far away places as Morocco, Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Patagonia and back to Canada. It traces the roots of the Vaquero traditions and the influence they have had on the modern day cowboy. It was exciting to see this type of educational and historical look at the world of horses!

Enjoy the beautiful fall weather, count your blessings and enjoy your senior friends. Keep them active and useful. You never know what you will learn. Have a great Thanksgiving and remember to ride!