Home is Where My Horse Lives

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Putting Down Roots

by Kim Roe

 

March 2017
Photo courtesy Kim Roe

In early spring the color of dawn changes here at Blue Gate Farm; there’s a faint pink glow, a welcome tint after all those dark winter mornings. Late February is marked by the evening calls of frogs looking for love. Soon the migrating birds will arrive with their raucous singing, busy nesting, and loud rush of wings as they lift off by the hundreds when I open my door and walk outside. All of this makes me love living on a farm, but the very best part is walking outside and having my horses there.

When we first moved to this land 32 years ago there wasn’t a tree on it – not one. It was just a large hay field with a creek running through it. My mother, husband, and I planted trees by the thousands, drilled a well, put in a septic, built an indoor arena and stable, erected fences, hauled in hundreds of truckloads of gravel, and built a very modest house. But the house isn’t the home, the place is.

Years ago I boarded my horse while in college and discovered that I’m the worst kind of boarder. I would re-clean my stall (it was never good enough), add more shavings, and whine about his turn out time. I realized then that I need to live with my horses. I feel secure knowing they have acres of grass to graze and I have a little garden to feed myself.

Living on a ranch or farm is not for everyone; there is a lot of daily work – caring for the horses and maintaining the yard, arena, fences, and buildings is a full-time job. And it’s almost impossible to be gone for more than a few days.

Truthfully, I love nothing more than a quiet day puttering around my farm, working in the yard, listening to the birds sing, and playing with my horses. A good day is one where I don’t get into my car.

Enjoy this month’s issue, with its emphasis on Barn and Farm. I’m excited to introduce Jen Verharen’s Trainer’s Corner series. She coaches us on how to make our dreams come true. Her contribution is a real gift to all of us.

I love to get your emails at [email protected]

 

Originally Published March 2017 Issue


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1 thought on “Home is Where My Horse Lives”

  1. Hey Kim – I grew up with my horses at home & have had my horses on our farm for many years now. However, we are going to move to Bellingham from Vashon to be closer to our daughter & some of the grandkids.
    So I’m looking for a wonderful place for my Morgan gelding, Alert. We began doing WE in 2019 & love it. I’m hands on & happy to help but can’t do it all on my own.
    Any openings?
    Randee

    Reply

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