THIS POST WAS WRITTEN IN 2010 – HORSE AND MAN’S FIRST HOLIDAY SEASON! I FELT THE EXACT EMOTIONS STILL APPLY TODAY – 5 YEARS LATER. And, I thought it was very interesting how the animals change over the years…
THANK YOU FOR BEING A PART OF OUR LIVES AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
ORIGINALLY POSTED 12/24/10
I wanted to express my extreme gratitude to all of you readers…
You see, I sat down one day in February to write a blog about a canker cure I had found. I was so jubilant over this discovery, I wanted every horse person who Googled “equine canker” to hopefully come upon my notice and learn what I had learned! The problem was that I had no idea how to write a blog or construct a blog or any of that.
So, I got a book on blogging and set up HORSE AND MAN.
After I wrote that first blogpost, an odd thing happened… I wrote another. And then it happened again… and again… until it became a part of my daily life. It became a part of me.
10 months later, this little blog has over a million hits a month from countries as far as Kazakhstan – all because of YOU.
And, the Bucket Fund, which was started in May, has provided relief for very needy horses. All from YOU.
Every day, I am filled with disbelief, wonder, and awe. Awe in the power of the internet. Awe in this community of benevolent strangers. Awe in the knowing that we can make a difference in the lives of our equine partners.
Please know that I appreciate every time you read what I’ve written. Please know that I read everything you write to me.
From my heart to yours, THANK YOU for allowing this voice to come into your lives. I’m already eternally grateful.
On that note, all my furry buddies were standing at attention this afternoon, ready to send their Holiday Cheer! So, I brought out my camera and captured every fuzzy mug here – and also a few that have passed but are always near.
Happy Holiday, everyone!
The lovable Hooligans, Dodger and Slick, standing around in the mud an ick.
Then comes Remi, Mustang from Oregon, filled with integrity… and quiet woebegone
Bodhi, Buddy Bodhi, Hubby’s honest mount, his virtues by far too many to count
Here comes Gwendolyn, my gorgeous pride and joy… she’s a brat and hard to ride but always, forever, by my side
Sam the dun mustang, wild and free, never to be touched, even by me…
Wrigley my baby, huge and fine, I have no doubt by the way you shine
Tess the grand dam, runs the farm, she has my back and I cherish her calm
Norma, stoic Norma, watching from the gate… wants to be back with her boys , she cannot wait!
Beautiful Girl is such a beautiful girl, so sweet, so kind, such a friend of mine
Finn, my brave boy, such a jovial, comical, and honest joy
Dex my Aussie outlaw, smarter than me, too cute to scold as he winks and flees
Shiva the photobomber, always at my side, he wants to help me write my blog and of course, I abide
Bashful Nomar, always protecting. My huge, imposing shadow — such a blessing
Sirdar, Santa Kitty, helps me write my posts — always sitting behind me like my little ghost
Enormous Buff Kitty, lording over the barn, his job well done, but he’s just having fun!
I cannot forget…
Sweet Nadia, I miss you so… My heart broke when I let you go.
And Lastly…
My best partner, Aladdin, who watches from above… whispering words into my keyboard and guiding with love
MERRY CHRISTMAS DAY, EVERYONE!!
Wow – 5 years – I wish you Merry Christmas and am so appreciative of all your writings and photos. Tugged at my heart to see Mama Tess. Looking forward to more posts in 2016.
Dawn, I am catching up (finally), wishing you a belated Merry Christmas and early Happy New Year! I can not say it any it any better than my fellow blog followers and I agree with each and every one of them. Your blog is priceless! : ) Sharon.
Hope you had a great Christmas, Dawn. Your blog is the first thing I read in the mornings with my coffe. I have forwarded many of your informative articles to my horsey friends, and strongly suggested they subscribe.
I lost my beautiful pony (acquired for my neice, 8 yrs ago) to a broken leg in September, while I was recovering from tibial osteotomy surgery following a riding accident, and we almost lost my husband’s beloved Thoroughbred on Christmas day to bowel impaction. And so I wept, when I read your dedication to Aladdin amongst your animals’ photos. They bring us such joy, but at such great emotional cost. I keep telling myself it’s worth it!
Keep on writing! You bring us such a great combination of the good, the bad and the ugly.
Sue, in Owen Sound, Ontario
Merry Christmas to you too, Dawn. One of the things I enjoy most about your blog is some of the wonderful videos you find. I’ll probably be pointing back to you for this in a future blog post.
Dawn, just catching up after family has left. I always read your blog everyday. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas. Loved seeing all your furbabies. Hugs.
I bumped into/stumbled upon your blog on another site.. They had posted about the wonderful rider with no arms.. Anyway,I’m now hooked on your blog.. Thanks for writing it :)
Merry Christmas. Your blog has been a pleasure to read and has given me much information and smiles. I always look forward to Saturday’s post. That and many others are forwarded to so many others. Many of who are not even horse people–well not yet anyway :)
Merry Christmas to you and your gang.
I have enjoyed reading your blog and meeting you and your critters ever since I first read about you & Finn chasing the yellow crested cyclist!
I want to express my extreme gratitude for having the privilege of reading your most entertaining and educational daily blog. I find myself looking forward to perusing your writings before starting my day.
Thank you for introducing us to all your furry folk….present and past.
I cannot help but notice you have such a beautiful piece of property. When I am reincarnated, I want to come back as one of your animals. :)
With much appreciation for all you do…..
I remain,
Your fan
A very Merry Christmas to you and yours. I so look forward to reading your daily posts. I have purchased some of the items you suggest, read some of the books you recommend and have learned much from the research you do for all of our horses. Thank you for all that you do for all horses and the people who love them. I hope you have a prosperous, happy and healthy New Year.
Sharon
Kentucky
And a MERRY CHRISTMAS to YOU!!
I love your blog – it is so…real.
I THANK YOU for each and every post – I share them with my students and we actually speak of you and your critters as if you lived next door.
Much love and thanks for all the work you do for the blog and horses.
Ellee
In Ottawa Ontario Canada
I love your blog, and look forward to it every day! Cute post today. Hope the Holidays are good and kind, and the new year will bring good things for you to find.
Happy Christmas to you too Dawn, your family and all those precious babies!! I have been hooked on your blog since bumping into an article you posted in August on Equine vision. You have since been my first read with my morning cup of coffee. Thank you so much for sharing your time and research with us….you are awesome!
I’m off to open presents! (Hubby is getting an LG!)
To you and your’s … a Merry Christmas Day!