The Sand Box

When I was young we had a sand box in the yard.  I enjoyed playing in the sand box. 
Moving the sand around.
Creating grooves.
Sometimes making building  like structures.  Adding twigs at times. 

There was that enjoyment in using my hands to create something and not minding getting a little dirty. 

I do morning chores at Lend-A-Hand farm.  It's outdoor work.
Watering troughs
Clean  Paddocks of manure and hay-no longer fresh
Sweeping in indoor arena

One has to not mind getting a little dirty in such work.

One good thing about clean paddocks is "What one sees, You Pick up".
I  rake a small pile of manure together.  Pick it up and dump it in the wheel barrel.
Sometimes I rake the spot over to smooth out dirt after.
I'll rake hay- no longer fresh in a pile too and then pick it up.

There are many other tasks to do on the farm.
In the afternoon, the horses that will be used for lessons are brought in the barn.
I'm not on this shift, yet I know there is:

Grooming of horses
Putting riding equipment on horses as requested to suite individual lessons.

During lesson:
Horse leader
Side walkers
Therapist work

When I took riding lessons, I groomed and saddled the "school" horse for each lesson.
When I participated in the barn's horse shows, a whole group of students and instructors would get together the Saturday before the show and bathe, groom, braid the horses.
We'd also clean saddles and bridles.
- I must say I am pretty good at braiding.

oh those days were fun.

Sometimes when I am with the horses, I think about my good friend and former riding instructor.
She passed away a couple of years ago from Cancer.
She was a riding instructor for a number of years.
Outdoor work - working with horses and students.

I know she was proud of all her students accomplishments.  I was one of her students.
I was so proud of her too.
She knew I loved being around the horses and farm.

Sometimes I imagine her watching and smiling down at me as I work around the farm.

Blessed