During Dr. Anderson’s visit (the veterinarian who graciously walked us through a tutorial on ailments and injuries, then showed us all how to check pulses, gut sounds, and hydration on a real horse, then checked and drew blood from every one of our horses and mules…) we discovered that two of our draft-cross horses, Eleni’s Corona, and my Pumpkin, are approximately 6-7 months pregnant. It would not be in the mares’ best interest for them to participate in the expedition, so thankfully we found out before we left, and before shakedown. Since Corona and Pumpkin will be enjoying pasture-rest, Chauncey and Black Oak will be joining us instead. Sudden, serious changes seem to be part of this whole experience, and it’s been interesting to see that we can all be flexible and willing to apply our original goals and questions to new circumstances.
Jig-Saw
September 5, 2009 at 11:29 am (Departure, Horses, Nikki, Preparations, Shake Down)
Tags: mules, Nikki, planning, pregnant horses, Shake Down
The shake-down was just a hint at what is to come. The good, the bad,…. the mules…. We will all experience the rewards and costs of extended group back-country travel. The pieces that always appeared to be simply singular pieces are now beginning to make sense when placed next to the other pieces that work towards the whole. The disconnect, the scatter, the endless details are finally finding their space within the chaos. The connection of thoughts, ideas, words, and tangible matter is beginning to take form – the goal being that this journey will finally become its own entity. Without all the pieces, it remains fractured. With this coming-together of pieces, communication improves, visions solidify, and questions find their answers. We trust that soon the pieces will all fit together into the big picture. We trust in this while knowing that the picture will experience change frequently and the pieces will require shuffling. From watching a man shoulder-deep inside a horse checking for pregnancy to sharing a meal with our human and equine group members on a moonlit night… these pieces fall in line. They all have a place in this space to contribute to our experience. These pieces hold meaning individually but even more so when they fit together and connect… much like our expedition members. We are individually strong and unique. We recognize, honor, and respect that. When connected and serving as one, we are an entity of our own. We will not loose our individuality, but take pride in who we are as individuals knowing that our contribution will strengthen the group and complete the puzzle to create the whole.
