#Horsebloggers Collaboration

Ya know, being creative and putting your mind to work isn't always easy. Especially when what you are doing isn't your career. Creative projects, especially when you suffer with procrastination (hey, I'm human!) seem all that not important when its not your main income. I have no excuse that I haven't created any new art for the last couple of months- well, as I mentioned in my previous blog, (who ever came up with the word 'blog' for writing? I much prefer the term musings..), Christmas is my busiest time in work, so I will never get much done over the festive period. But, whats my excuse now? None, absolutely none, other than my focus has shifted a little.

Art, is not the easiest thing to sell. Well, arts and crafts in general. It's where the term 'struggling artist' comes from.. we create.. but few artists get noticed. Finding an engaging audience is challenging, especially with social media and the competition out there. Im not alone, this I know from various Facebook groups I am in. But, I don't dwell on this fact and I look for new projects to enable my creative juices to spill into new ventures. (This doesn't mean to say my art is disappearing any time soon! So, please feel free to message me if anything takes your fancy 😉))

One such project is a little collaboration with the #horsebloggers meetup. Social media is great for introducing you to like minded individuals whom, without social media you would never have met.

Wendy Wainwright is one such person. She has a personal blog and is what you would call an 'alternative' horse owner, like me! You can read some of her musings here . Oonagh O'brien, who manages the #horsebloggers meet up Facebook page coupled up various people to do a collaboration, to help us all with procrastination, and to get us engaging within the group.

As you can probably figure where this was going, I was paired up with Wendy. An exchange of messages passed and it became apparent we both had an interest in writing a book. I've had a little idea for years, but I've never gotten passed the first page (I realise this extends to more than writers block- lets call it 'writers just can't seem to execute a fab little idea'😁). So, long story short, (no pun intended) we have come up with, what we think, is a great idea for a mystery novel with a sweet little twist. I've written the first paragraph- gotta start somewhere! The idea is in place, its the execution that may pose a problem.

Questions and Answers with Wendy Wainwright

But, a novel isn't suitable for the little project mentioned above, so, we settled with a question and answers..

Why do horses hold an attraction for you?

Oh, the work of course! And the empty bank balance, no holidays, the dirt and filth (need I go on haha). Kidding!

I find peace in being around them. It hasn't always been like that. I've found my journey with horses to be a frustrating one, especially my current horse, Nancy. Our relationship has been a difficult one. But, i'm learning and understanding day by day the problems which have created this ever challenging horse.

How long have you been involved with horses?

I got my first pony when I was 13 years. I then had a 13 year break (uni, career). I bought Bronte and had her for 10 years before she passed at the age of 18.

How do you get inspiration for your horse art?

I've been drawing horses since I was a kid. Sat in a boring office job doodling and it always ended up being a horse. Naturally my love for them helps, but I have a love for cats too, but I always chose to draw horses. It was never a conscious decision, it just happened. Here is one said doodle

Has there been a special horse in your life?

I've only owned 3, my pony whom I competed on. Bronte and Nancy. All have a special place, but I have to say Nancy, she was my most expensive, and my most dangerous, confidence knocking, big ball of trouble. YET, I have learned so much from our difficult journey and still learning. I am forever grateful for this. She has helped shape my views on horsemanship and what they owe us, which frankly is nothing. My aim now is not to compete, but to have a happy healthy horse whom I have a willing partner to work with.

What have they taught you/ what have you learnt through your involvement with horses?

That they owe us nothing. And the challenges we face come from our own desires to want to be better. They are animals and do not share this same desire, but we are fortunate for the most part they are such willing animals. Sadly however, this can leave them open to abuse and coercion, even if its unintended, usually through ignorance or a lack of knowledge. Thankfully, Nancy was the less than willing horse, so I had to work on my horsemanship skills and, my attitude! I learned a lot through the Intelligent Horsemanship practices. Growth is an important part of being human, and recognising that we are owed nothing. Its usually a big pill to swallow. But helps shape us to become better people in whatever path we choose to follow.

What plans do you have for the future?

Well, as much as I have the mindset they owe us nothing, I still want a fit healthy horse with whom I have a great partnership with. I love in-hand work and get great pleasure from clicker training. I love classical dressage (coming from a once show jumper who hated dressage). I'm currently on a new journey investigating her gut bacteria to help balance her behaviour. The gut is the second brain don't you know.

I'm a firm believer that what we put in our bodies affects how our minds and body work. Feel sluggish/tired? Look at your diet etc etc. I've had the test done, and waiting for the results. I'm thinking its going to be very interesting to find what ghoulish bacteria's are lurking in her gut, affecting her energy levels, her mind, motivation and behaviour! Once I have implemented the necessary diet changes I plan to work on our dressage skills from the ground. Nancy loves Spanish walk, so we will improve this.. liberty work and just having fun with her!

Joanne GG Barrett