Socyberty > Philosophy

What Do I Do with That?

An employer once asked me why people keep horses. As a horse lover I was dumbfounded, why do people keep anything they love?

My husband and I moved from a city to a small 10 acre hobby farm. We made the move so we could live a more self sustaining life, and have room to keep the animals we always wanted. For him this was mostly exotic birds, like Pheasants and chickens. For me it was horses.

Well, a 10 acre farm is not going to sustain any city person who is unwilling to kill their pet chickens. So we both have jobs off the property. I was working in a store for a wonderful employer who had a house full of collectibles, and things I would refer to as "knick knacks". One day she proceeded to ask me about what we do on our property. So I told her about our vegetable garden, and free range hens. Then I mentioned that we also have horses.

To which she relied, quite sincerely, "What do people do with horses?".
I guess I never thought about it before, but I am sure some people really do not understand other peoples interest with equines. Especially since the ones I currently have are miniatures. Similarly, it never occurred to me what people do with knick knacks, but then I never asked them either.

I have horses because I love the way they look.

I love their ears, their muzzles, long flowing manes and tails. I love their perky ears, their soft eyes, and watching them canter around playfully on chilly days. I love the way they look in my pockets for treats or play hard to get when I need to catch them. I love the way they hold their heads and tails high when happy, and talk to each other, calling to each other to play.

I have cats too, they don't necessarily "do" anything, other than be pesky when you are trying to work on the computer.

I own the kitties, because I know if I didn't nobody would. Quite simply there are more cats born every year than there are homes for. All our cats are spayed or neutered, and two were actually left here by the previous owner. I guess they do catch mice, and provide entertainment. Heck they even visit the other animals.

Overall though, horses are my friends, they are the things that complete my life, in a that way my husband, and daughter, and job, cannot. Horses make me whole. I used to go to horse shows with them, I no longer need that feeling in my life, for now it is enough to look out the window and see them being happy. In my biggest of dreams we would have more land, and more money, and could rescue horses in need, but for now I am happy with the two we have, the cats, the birds, and of course the donkey!

Wonder what people do with their knick knacks?

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Comments (8)
#1 by Glynis Smy, Sep 28, 2008
I love your pictures and I would rather admire your horses than dust knick knacks!
#2 by PR Mace, Sep 28, 2008
Know what I do with my knick knacks? Dust and dust them. I think I would like to watch your horses. People ask me why I have two big dogs and why they live in my house? The answer is simple. I love them and they are part of my family. A large messy part with lots of dirt on the floors and dog hair. But I feel safe at night while my husband is at work and warm on cold nights. Thank you Kole and Katie Dog, my pack.
#3 by Darla Smith, Sep 28, 2008
I've always loved horses and I wanted one as a kid but never got my wish. My 13 year old daughter also loves horses and we're planning to get her one as soon as we can find one that's gentle enough for her to ride. I want her wish to come true.
#4 by nobert soloria bermosa, Sep 28, 2008
how i wish i have one too,thanks
#5 by Denny Lyon, Sep 29, 2008
Live knick knacks are the ultimate form of beauty to enjoy for sure!

But hey! as an artist type who is crazy enough to paint with oils and patient enough to wait a year to finish a canvas, there are some knick knacks that place a happy second to the pets.

You are right though, because there is something about viewing the beauty of the animals and enjoying the interaction that really does something great for a person down deep on a heart level and is most satisfying! I call some of my kitties decorative art, yard art, kitchen art or office art - and they like to oblige! they are very agreeable and good natured and so very sociable.

lovely read, thanks! ~ d
#6 by Jackie Stroud-Painter, Sep 29, 2008
I love the pictures but I know if I had the money and lived on a farm I would have all kinds of cats because I would want to resue all of them. We love animals but I love cats.
#7 by goodselfme, Sep 29, 2008
I feel the sensibility and the companionship in your article. Many times I have wondered if I had a lot of money, I would get a place to rescue all animals of all kinds.Now knick knacks are not for me, but not everything is for everybody. I fully enjoyed reading about you and your family of pets.thank you for the post.
#8 by Hein Marais, Oct 1, 2008
Great Article.
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