It's hard to believe that Friday is Christmas already. But it happens this way every year, with the calendar seeming to speed up as we approach the holidays.

It seems people move faster, too. Tight deadlines, deliveries, decorating, shopping, cooking, social gatherings - a whole lot more activity packed into every 24 hours. The tension level increases at the same pace.

One lesson I've learned in working with horses comes in handy at this time of year. You can't control high energy with excitement. The faster the horse is moving, the steadier a hand he needs on the rein or lead rope.

If you try jerking the lead on the horse jigging beside you, the horse isn't going to say, "Thanks. I needed that." He'll get more excited, carrying his head even higher.

Instead, you need smooth moves. Frantic won't get the job done. It's not just a physical thing. Anxiety is catching. Fortunately, so is calmness.

This is a good week to practice the skill of moving quickly without hurrying. Whether you're hustling on the job, jockeying for parking places, worried about slippery roads, or madly ferrying kids to events, realize you can be calm despite the day's storm. Simply slow your mind, slow your hands, and maybe even crack a smile.

Hope you have a wonderful Christmas.

You may remember an email that was going around the Internet concerning “Molly the Pony” (http://www.inspiredbyhorses.com/2009/08/meet-molly-the-pony) a POA who survived Katrina and was later attacked by a dog. Molly’s wounds were so extensive that she ended up having one foot amputated in January 2006. But the story has a good ending.

Molly has a prosthetic leg, and she’s doing fine. I’m happy to tell you that she is on the road, inspiring people wherever she goes.

I’ve been working on a project that I’m calling, “You have to meet Molly,” helping her owner Kaye to schedule personal appearances and developing sponsors for her travels. Molly has visited Ohio State University Veterinary School, various Ronald McDonald houses, the NARHA convention, and a long list of therapeutic riding centers, as well as nursing homes and children’s hospitals. Molly is scheduled to attend the World Equestrian Games in 2010. And this weekend, she’s headed to Walter Reed Army hospital to encourage wounded warriors.

I would love to have your help. I’m developing a book about Molly that will answer the questions most often asked. Perhaps more importantly, it will help people to understand the amazing ability horses have to inspire and encourage us. Send me an email (http://www.inspiredbyhorses.com/contact) if there are questions or topics you’d like to see the book cover, or if you’d like us to let you know when the book is ready.

Beyond that, if you’d like to have Molly come visit your area or you’d like to consider helping with Molly’s expenses, let me know. We’re organizing her 2010 schedule now. (I can give you more details in an email.)

There’s no question that Molly is a special pony because of what she’s been through, how she’s handled it, and her ability to connect with people who’ve had a rough time. But we know that whatever God put inside Molly he put inside all horses. And that’s what keeps us inspired.