Dilgo Khyentse once wrote, “The stronger our devotion, the greater the blessing. But to have no devotion is like hiding oneself in a house with all the doors and shutters closed. The sunlight will never get in.”
The Difference between Devotion and Resolution
In the new year, I want to focus a little less on the resolution and more on the devotion behind the resolution. I’m not saying to be resolute is unworthy of my time, but to be devoted means there is something higher than ourselves calling us to become greater than we already are.
When I think of a resolution, I think of bettering oneself. Diets, ridding ourselves of addictions, and new gym memberships are all common targets at the beginning of a new year.
However, when I think of devotion, I think of service; I think of bettering someone else’s condition or circumstance or being so devoted to a cause that is bigger than we are that many other people benefit from our work.
Most of us who own horses have no problem with the devotion piece. You will not find more caring, adoring, and loving guardians than you will in the horse industry. That said, not all of us in the industry fit this bill.
For so many, the horse is just the means to an end: the object that jumps, races, turns barrels, or passages its way to our next blue ribbon, sash, cup, or belt buckle.
The Challenge
In this new year, I want to challenge everyone to focus on their devotion to their horses. No, I do not mean you need to purchase more pads or more cookies to achieve this. None of that is required.
Instead, listen to his or her likes and dislikes. Pay attention when you brush to where they are telling you something is off or bothering them that day.
In the tack, listen to that lameness that urges, please, not today with all the trot work.
Listen to the horse who “says,” I don’t entirely trust you…yet.
If devotion is the manner of being devoted to another, why do we so often overlook how our horse feels or what they think or want?
Dressing our horses up in all manner of beautifully color-coordinated luxury equestrian tack does not buy us a relationship with them. Believe me, I have made that mistake.
With horses, time takes time. Earning their trust takes time. And earning their devotion in return takes…you guessed it…time.
For 2025…
So, for 2025, I want to be more mindful about my own level of devotion to my horses. I am certainly not a perfect guardian, owner, or pet parent, but when I try, when I stop and focus, when I slow down and get right there in the moment with my horses, I know how to listen to what they are saying. I’ll bet you do, too.
Here’s to a fabulous and healthy New Year! 2025; here we come!