More importantly, the swing from hot to cold and back again is what messes us up, and particularly messes up the horses. One day they’re running and bucking out in the pasture, free of blankets and other encumbrances. The next day, they’re not only blanketed, but trying to figure out how to navigate in icy mud.

Horses adapt really well to change, but not to rapid change. So this is the time of year that we have to be on the lookout to be sure that they drink enough water, so they don’t get into a colic situation. We have to bring them in before they get all excited and roughhouse around the gate, which would mean they’d get sweaty just as the day gets colder. And we have to watch our tempers, that we don’t end up scolding them just for being frisky.

People adapt well to change, too, but rapid change that’s out of our control throws us for a loop. On the other hand, when we think we have control, we often change what we shouldn’t. I’m reminded of the quote that says, “Change for the sake of change is the ideology of the cancer cell.” Change is not another word for improvement, and I have to remember that when I’m unhappy with the status quo.

I try to remind myself of the “serenity prayer” when I get frustrated with myself, my situation or my horse.

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.