These may be the dog days of summer, but I’ve been going full speed the last few weeks. Just couldn’t seem to make time to blog or even to keep my Twitter account up to date (@maureengallatin, if you are a twitterer, too).

I’m redoing my website, and anyone who has done that can tell you it’s a bit like a kitchen remodel — the project gets bigger as you get into it, costs more than you budgeted, and requires that you live in disarray for longer than you thought you would. However, I’m coming down the home stretch, and before long you’ll be able to read about all the exciting Inspired by Horses projects at http://www.inspiredbyhorses.com.

One of the most exciting is my work with Molly the Pony. You may have read the story on the Internet about the POA  that survived Katrina, was attacked by a dog, and later had a lower leg amputated. Molly now wears a prosthesis. She is truly inspirational — but it’s not because she’s three-legged. Molly has a special way of interacting, particularly with disabled or disadvantaged people. She doesn’t just stand waiting to be petted, but she greets them, nuzzles them, and lets them know they are valuable.

I caught up with Molly and her owner Kaye in Kentucky, where she was on her way to visit Ohio State University Veterinary School and various hospitals and children’s centers (Ronald McDonald House, etc.)  Kaye later brought Molly to my home town, where we had a “meet and greet” and Kaye and I worked on various aspects of a sponsorship package and a book. Right now, we are scouting for a truck and trailer that Molly can use for the coming year, as well as covering some of Molly’s other needs.

As if that wasn’t enough, I’ve been working on the Equestrian Ministries International meeting, which is coming up September 11 and 12th in Lexington, Ky. Sept 11 will be at Asbury College and Sept 12 at the Kentucky Horse Park — two great locations. Would love to have any of you join us. And there are a few other “inspired” projects that I’ll tell you about in coming weeks. Send me an email if you’d like any info on Molly or EMl (Maureen@ inspiredbyhorses.com).

There is an observation I’d like to share. Everywhere I’ve gone, I’ve met great horse people — people who go out of their way to show hospitality, offer to help, or listen to you. They each have their struggles — finances, family, health, horse troubles, too little time, too many decisions to make, and so forth. But they don’t let those things get the upper hand. They keep a sense of humor, are kind as they help you back a trailer, and pause to let you take a photo of their horses or show you around their place. I don’t know whether good people are drawn to horses or horses help make us into the people we are, but I’m glad I’m in the company of horse people. It’s inspirational.