(Dys)Functional Dynamics

I am sure you've all heard the expression 'elephant in the living room' that describes an obvious truth that is being ignored or goes unaddressed.  Its often used when referring to dysfunctional family interactions.  I had the equine variety play out in my pasture a couple days ago but instead of a pink elephant my horses had a round bale dumped as if out of the sky into their pasture. 

Now in my mind I was pleased I was able to make these arrangements because the temps had really dropped, the ground was nice and firm and the horses need lots of hay to keep warm in this weather.  So what better way then to let them eat to their little hearts content without me breaking my back hauling hay around?  Well it was a good idea but from the horses perspective it might as well have been an alien's space ship.  Or a pink elephant. 

My neighbor delivered the round bale while my horses were in the barn.  I turned them out on my way to my art studio.  I waited to see how they would respond to this wonderful surprise I gave them.  I was so excited to see their happy little faces when they dug into the big treat I got special for them!  Instead of the satisfaction a horse owner feels when they know their animals are content and happy, I got to witness (dys)functional equine herd dynamics at work.  Not unlike a reality tv show only without the wild parties, heavy drinking and sex. 

What I witnessed was Drama Queen and the He- Man, macho guy running circles around the big strange thing.  The two of them demonstrated a whole lot of nostrils flaring, muscles flexing, tails flying, huffing and puffy demanding someone DO SOMETHING!!!  I am having a HISSY FIT HERE (and by the way don't I look fabulous when I prance like this??? Can everyone see me??)  Okay, I'll run a few more circles so ~everyone~ can~ look~ at~~~~MMMEEEEE!!!  Macho Man followed along-  so as not to lose sight of Drama Queen.  Even though he's the only gelding and wouldn't quite know what to do with drama queen some reminant of something in his brain was telling him not to lose her.  ~~~MUST STAY CLOSE to this much female hysterics because she will at some point collapse in a heap and I can act big and strong then. 

None of this impressed irritable Big Momma one bit who just stood off to the side, tsk, tsk-ing, shaking her head and glaring at the spectacle drama queen and macho man were making.  I watched as timid Miss Worry-Wart scampered to big momma's side to hide her face from all the commotion.  Rather than protection Big Momma told worry-wart that she was getting on her last nerve (Big Momma after all was hungry but was pretending not to see the pink elephant- I mean round bale) and hiked her hind foot as a signal that she'd like to take her aggravation out on HER!  So Miss Worry Wart  promptly turned into Sulker and slinked off to stew by herself.   She was hungry too but was not going to walk over to that scary thing all by her little self!!

So instead of the sight of happy horses (that first 30-40 minutes) I got to write this blog entry instead.  Horses are so entertaining. 

Just so you know they did eventually make peace with the round bale without intervention. 
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I am having a couple special art related promotions on my new blog at
http://www.suesteinerpetportraits.com/  Stop by and take a look!  I also am asking for short stories, tributes to special animals and short informative articles if you'd like to submit anything.  My contact information is on the site.  More info their too.  Love to hear your feed back! 
thanks for stopping by!

Happy Trails,
Sue Steiner
equine and animal artist and care taker of horses!
http://www.suesteiner.com/

Contest!

I just posted a couple contests on my other webs ite at http://www.suesteinerpetportraits.com/  I'd love for you to stop by, enter and pass the word along! 

Living in the Moment

Red Landscape by Sue Steiner

This time of year in NE Ohio can be bitter cold.  Today is no exception.  To care for the horses properly in this weather requires a good set up, work and lots of calories (for the horses)!  I am not one to be real gung ho on lots of  electrical gadgets in the barn for fear of a barn fire.  I do make sure the horses have plenty of water and hay.  The process of digesting hay produces heat for the horses and helps them to maintain their body heat.  If fed properly and allowed to grow a winter coat my horses rarely shiver-- even in sub zero weather.  Part of good barn management and animal care is being observant to how the animals are coping with the challenges of the season.  This is what brings my thoughts around to the idea of 'living in the moment'. 

I am not sure but suspect a horse can only know what they are experiencing in the moment.  I know they have great memories but I don't know if they can project ahead and think... okay... if I can just get thru January and February things will start to look up for me soon.   My guess is they just accept where they are at the moment and live in that moment.  

Horses can 'anticipate' events that are routines.  Show horses do this in the riding ring because they are often asked to do the same task in the same order over and over so they begin to anticipate the next command.  Thats really different though then knowing it will not always be what it is now.  They soak up the sun when the sun appears.  They buckle down and put their backs to the wind when the cold front blows in.  They tolerate the flies in Aug. and kick up their heels on the brisk mornings in Oct.  Things are either good, bad or tolerable.  Things are just what they are. 

I wonder what lessons can be learned for people in just living in the moment and accepting what is before us?  Would the worry only appear when there is actual cause for worry?  Rather than worrying about what we expect will happen?  I wonder too if a knowledge would not build that you will deal with the situation before you as best you can?   You prepare by just living that moment strung on to the next moment strung on to the next and so on knowing you will adapt and do the best you can with what you have? 

Next time you are around your animals soak up the honesty in which they respond to the moment.  I find this one of the most endearing aspects of animals. 

One of my favorite verses is "Be still and know that I am God'.  I personally find it hard to be still within myself but know that the contact with nature and animals can be quite meditative and helps to give a model on how to 'be'.   I will deal with what is before me because i am only kidding myself if I think I can predict what will happen in my future.  I will not live in fear and worry until I have evidence of danger in front of me. 

I have been inspired by a young man named Kory Wiita who suffered a spinal cord injury on Oct. 30th during a highschool football game.  I've been following his family's journey as they write about it on a CaringBridge web site.  He is an amazing kid. My heart and prayers have been with him.   In an instant his life was drastically changed but to see him move forward with courage and grace is truly inspiring.  He has inspired me to live the life that is before me as fully as I can.  My wish is for you to do the same in yours. 

Take care!    

Sue Steiner 

equine and animal artist       

     

Bittersweet Horse Moments

This has been an eventful week for me.  I am back full steam working on pet and horse commissions. ( This link will take you to a new blog I am working on. ) It feels good to busy with commissions.  This week I  began reducing my 'herd' of 6 horses. This feels bittersweet. 

My art business is growing thankfully.  My kids are active in school, church, sports and social events.  That is good and appropriate for them at this stage in their life. 

2 years ago I owned 3 horses- 2 arabs and a pregnant tb mare.  Not long after I bred my mare I brought back home 2 horses in need.  Boomer was a rescue and Flicka, my daughter's kid horse who we loaned out to a little girl.  The family moved and couldn't take horses so Flicka came home again.  I was glad to be able to take them back.  I feel its my responsibility that I do what is right for the horses which for these two mean protecting them from auctions or neglect due to their age or condition. 

All of this added up to a busy, hectic schedule and an over crowded barn once the baby came along. 

This week I placed two horses in new homes.  Flicka was adopted by 2 adorable little girls into a 'horsey' family who are aware of her limitations due to age and value her wonderful attributes.  They promise her a forever home.  I got word back that Flicka has settled in well and the girls LOVE her.  I was thrilled this family wanted her and was able to take her into their lives.  The bittersweet moments came in reflecting back to all the wonderful memories I have of time spent with my daughter and Flicka.

The real tough moment came when I sold my 1 1/2 yr old tb/Hackney Horse colt, Ricco.  I've only had 4 foals in all my horse years, 3 of which I still owned until yesterday.  Ricco is a beautiful creature with a long graceful neck, big sloping shoulders, athletic, good bone, height, style and topping it off is this sweet, puppy dog personality.  I loved to look at this horse, loved to love on him and just enjoyed his sweet nature and kind of goofy personality.   My heart told me this horse was to be with me forever.  My head though knew that I was not going to be able to give to this horse what was in his best interest at this time in his life. 

When I bred my mare I did not anticipate the extra horses coming back into my care.  I also couldn't of predicted how my art business was to grow.   My life, my work and my family were heading one way and Ricco's needs were requiring what I knew realistically would not happen without giving up something. 

Up until last month I was going to make it happen, one way or another.   At my farrier's regular visit he asked if I was interested in selling Ricco.  The thought never occurred to me because I was his forever home.  I learned more about what my farrier was looking for and his commitment to a young horse.  I could see he was ready and able to give to Ricco what Ricco needed to ensure a good life for a horse ( good care, good training, attention ).  So I made a difficult decision to do what is best for Ricco and for my family and work.  And me even if I don't want to admit it.  This was hard to do because I love that horse!!!  What makes it easier is I can see my farrier really likes this horse and is ready to open up the time he needs during this critical period in his life.  My farrier sees lots of horses and is offered many to buy.  He's been looking for several months to find the right one.  He said he knew it was Ricco the first time he saw him.   I thought about what was best for Ricco during the time between his two farrier visits and came to the realization that selling Ricco was a wise decision.  Yesterday was a hard day though.  My husband kept asking me what was I thinking about.  I told him 'my handsome boy' and left it up to him to decide which 'boy' I was thinking of!  LOL! 

I still have 4 horses who need my care, training and attention so I still have plenty on my horse plate.  I had a great time this fall riding and am hoping to do more riding (and less scooping!!) as soon as the weather breaks.  Riding cures much of what ails me.  I am going to enjoy my riding horses and look forward to seeing Ricco blossom into the great horse I know he is destined to be!   Thats the plan!

Ride on!

Sue Steiner

animal artist

pet portraits

Horses- Not for the Faint of Heart!

photo by Dana Muntean

In NE Ohio, during the months of Jan., Feb. and March, the true grit of a horse person is put to the test.  Sub-zero temps, icy conditions, wind, frozen water and bored, cooped up horses separate the fair weather horsey enthusiast from the die hard, cowgirl!

The sheer manual labor and time needed to care for these magnificent beasts increases by leaps and bounds and usually goes like this... the busier you are in your personal/ work life added to a rapid decline in the weather equals massive amounts of time needed in the barn that compounds at rapid speed if left unattended. 

(My husband likes to say horses are the best way to turn money into manure.)   

In the past couple weeks I've had all of the above.  I would be lying if I said I haven't considered the 'what ifs'.  What if I only had one horse and I boarded?  What if I didn't have any??  What if I lived in the city?  What if??

I can't really conceive right now a life without horses.  They take a big chunk of time, energy and money but my horses keep me connected to my childhood dreams.  They keep me connected to my inspiration.  They keep me connected to the farm and rural life.  They keep me connected to the seasons, the outdoors, nature.  They keep me connected to being committed to exercising.  They keep me connected to being balanced in my body and in my emotions.  They keep me connected to youth as we share our horsey dreams.  They keep me connected to strength, focus and assertiveness but not violence or brute force.   They keep me connected as I look to the future and what I aspire to do with my horses- either in care, riding or art.    

I like my horsey friends-- from my hay guy to my farrier to the friend who came all on her own to clean my barn yesterday to my former employees from my boarding stable.  (I've reconnected to many of them on facebook which was SO nice.)

I also like the clothes.  I can wear jeans and beat up boots and always have a good reason.  My daughter went shopping for me yesterday for a new purse.  She asked what I wanted.. I told her 'Think cowgirl' and I'll like it! 

Happy Trails and Hang in there... spring will get here eventually and then it will be all about the mud and flies!  :)  I do believe a really good, dry fall makes up for everything when it comes to horses-- cool weather, no flies, no mud-- pure heaven!

How have horses helped you to connect?  Would love to hear!  Comments welcome-- I am back to the easy comment app. :) 

Sue Steiner

horse artist

Clean Barn, Clean Slate, Clean Canvas

Over the Christmas break my husband built a large new stall in our barn.  For those of you who don't know I have a population explosion in my barn due to taking back in two horses that I had sold/loaned out to different people.  I never did make a good horse dealer because I feel responsible for the horses I take in.  If the match doesn't work for one reason or another the door is open for them to come back but I found myself on the verge of not keeping the horses up to my own standards.  So I really appreciated the extra stall. 

It feels good to take care of animals when you are set up to do so.  The right feed, the right pasture/turnout.  The right shelter.  The right attention and handling.  I got in a couple 'special needs' horses which toppled that balance so my goal is to pare down the number of horses I care for so I can keep that balance in line. 

I reconnected with a former employee of mine.  He was a teen ager when he worked for me cleaning stalls on my boarding stable.  He was new to horses but had a passion for them and a wonderful gentle touch that they responded to so well.  He also had the most amazing seat I ever saw in a beginner rider.  He got up on the horse and just sat so correctly and so naturally.  My riding instructor at the time said men/boys have a different center of gravity and sometimes it just all clicks in the right way for them.  That certainly was the case with Brent. 

Brent has gone on to make horses a career and has been training out west with the Parelli people.  He is working his way up the levels and is now freestyle level 4??  I may have that wrong but anyways I know he is doing amazing.  Anyways he is coming out this spring and taking a couple horses.  I am thrilled because I know he will give them a wonderful home.

So in a sense I am wiping my slate clean (er) in the barn so I can spend more time doing what I enjoy- caring for my horses but also keeping the attention/handling and riding time in balance.  In other words I want to spend more time riding and less time doing barn chores!  

I am doing the same thing in my art.  I want to paint.  The more the better.  The more  I paint the happier I am.  I also think that is working from my strengths but doing what I do best.  I also have enjoyed delving into some creative writing as it pertains to art, horses, healing.   So the challenge is to arrange things so I can get into the mental frame of mind easier and faster to paint while not completely forgetting everything else!  As I write that it sound contradictory.  If painting is a priority that isn't that what you are supposed to do??  Focus on that? 

Focus is such a funny thing for me.  Maybe other artists are like this too.  I can have razor sharp hyperfocus and I can be clear on the other end of the spectrum.  And no I don't want ADHD medication. 

I think most artists know about getting into the zone to paint.   It doesn't just happen... most times.  For instance I can't paint and keep my house clean.  I also can't paint and run errands.  Running errands and driving around sort of ruin me for painting (but I have kids and thats pretty much a necessity).  Going shopping does not mix with art.  Especially a place like Walmart.  I am ruined after a shopping trip there which is why I mainly try to avoid it altogether!   Thankfully my husband can just go in there, get what he wants and get out.  That has NEVER happened to me.  I go in and I feel like I've been swallowed alive!

It may be that rather than having trouble getting INTO the zone it may be more likely I am always 'in the zone' which makes doing all those other things difficult AND it keeps me from painting.   I walk into a store and get visually bombarded with bright florescent lights and row after row of shelves and products and advertising.  I go outside and the shadows in the snow captivate me.  I contemplate values and paint colors of the color of the snow shadow, noticing sharp edges and places to let the lines blur.   I forget where I am parked but in my mind I've painted a beautiful painting already!

Maybe I am like the horses.  I need my environment partitioned off so I can go from one zone to another and not let them all over flow.  Horses know about this -- pasture is for play time and eating.  Riding ring is time to focus.  Trails are fun and adventure.  Stalls are confinement at worst and at best a place to eat in peace away from flies.

Alright then... I am going to start to corral my artistic spirit into the right spaces.  Doing dishes and laundry does not need a creative mind-- it needs a clean sweeper.  A stall mucker and barn manager.  Someone who clears the way so the creative spirit can then be turned out to play.   

If all that fails I may need to call in either a horse whisperer or a maid!

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My kids have either been on Christmas break,  in need of transportation, or traveling for the last 3 weeks.  On Tues. they all will be corralled again in their regular classes.  Keeping track of their schedules, social lives, school activities, sports events requires some heavy duty time management of which I do not even know who to call on to model that kind of help!  :)   Maybe a drill Sargent!  For me - not them. 

I have a 3 hour stretch today to paint so I am now going to clear my slate.  And then the reward!  Turn out!!!

Take care!

Sue Steiner

animal and equine artist

pet portraits

Prayer

Digital Art by Sue Steiner

My heart is heavy today because the people of Haiti are on my mind.  I can't see the images on the tv any longer.  They are too graphic. 

Today the sun came out and the temps rose.... it is really a very pleasant winter day with the barest hint of spring as you can feel the warm sun and hear birds sing.  On days like today even though it is in the dead of winter we were given the hope that the dark dreary days of winter won't last forever. 

My prayer today is that the people of Haiti who are experiencing the devastation of the earthquake a couple days ago are beginning to receive help... that they are able to see some hope in what must feel like the very darkest of days. 
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The image above was created from a photo I took this morning of my glass block windows in my bathroom.  I manipulated it with photoshop and came up with this design.

I spent the last 3 days with a group of delightful middle schoolers studying art and design.  You can read a little about it here.  Today I will be in front of my easle working on a new pet portrait.  Please pray with me today and the days to come for the people who have lost so much in the earthquake.

Take care!

Sue Steiner

animal artist