| You know you’re hooked on horses when: Your family starts finding horse books, magazines and catalogs ALL over the house. Introducing yourself to a new person, you ask "What’s your mane?" You decide to have a saddle, er—salad for lunch. Your favorite clothes are those you use to go riding. Rita Mae Brown’s novel Riding Shotgun is your favorite read. Your best friends all utilize the word "horse" in their conversations. Doodles are all looking like horses these days. You start listening to C&W stations, hoping to hear a cowboy song. You keep your riding boots and helmet in your car at all times, just in case. Your 10 year old pleads "Please Mommy—no more horse stories!" All you want for your birthday is that beautiful saddle you saw. Retirement starts sounding like a stable with a house attached. Your children know how to get your attention—they whinny. The first thing you (think to) say to anyone who has a horse is "You want to be my friend?" Working in your garden reminds you of mucking the stalls. Even a bad day on a horse is better than a bad day NOT on a horse. You howl with indignation when your job hours change-- and interfere with your riding schedule. Your favorite sites on the internet all have to do with horses. Suburbans or pickup trucks start sounding like reasonable vehicle choices. Carrots and apples are favorite snacks—for you and your horse! by Charlene Morris, PA-C |