Tom Seay at Parade
It is not only Christmas time when we reflect on our basic beliefs and family traditions but it is also a time to think about where we may have traveled with our horses and where we may be going in the coming year.
Here is a suggestion from us:
With these occasionally warm days during December, especially when there are no bugs to worry with, take your old favorite saddle out of the tack storage area. Put that old friend, that worn saddle, that has taken you on so many adventures, and put it on a saw horse or saddle stand. Get some saddle oil (good olive oil or vegetable oil will do just fine) and a spray bottle.
Now, get yourself a nice cup of coffee in your favorite mug and pull up a chair. Take advantage of the unseasonably warm days and oil that old saddle. (I use the spray bottle to get underneath in those hard to reach places).
As you take advantage of the needed oiling, reflect on those places you have been. Remember who you rode with and what pleasure you had on those trips. Remember the views of those mountains or the sunsets, or the campfires. Remember all those places that old saddle took you and the joy that you can now recall.
Think about how tough life can be and how unpredictable it is. Think about this: If you could take just one more ride in this saddle and take a couple of friends — where would you go and who would you go with?
After reflecting on these things, put the saddle away. Go look at the calendar and pick a date, pick the place you thought about and make that call during this Christmas season and invite those friends to go join you on that very special ride.
I do not know how long I may be able to ride, but just in case, I plan on going to a spot I have been thinking about if it was my last ride and who I would like to take.
I will be planning that trip this spring and you should do the same. You deserve it and it makes trail riding and your friendships so very, very special. Enjoy that old saddle once more while you can.
Join Tom Seay on an Upcoming Adventure at these Rides and Events
“Ordinary people doing extraordinary things” – Tom Seay
Jan 22-24: Maryland Horse World Expo at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, MD
Feb 27-28: RFD-TV’s The American at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX
Mar 4-6: Parrie Haynes Equestrian Center in Killeen, TX
Apr 1-3: Virginia Horse Festival at Meadow Event Park in Doswell, VA
Apr 10-14: Double R Guest Ranch in Pearce, AZ
May 13-15: Gathering at the Farm in Culpeper, VA
Aug 24-28: 300th Anniversary Trail Ride of the Knights of the Golden Horseshoe Ride
Sept 10: Lakota of Ohio Grand Opening Celebration in South Solon, OH
Sept 14-18: Jesse James Festival Trail Ride with Clay County in Smithville, MO
Or Join Tom Seay on his farm, Andora Farm, in Culpeper, VA for:
Cattle Drive Weekends
March 19th
April 30th
May 23rd
May 29th
October 1st
Cowgirl Week:
May 15-19
July 5-10
Learn more about upcoming locations and events or the show by visiting www.bestofamericabyhorseback.com
Follow us on Facebook: Best of America by Horseback
