2013 December PASO Magazine

HOOFBEAT
HOOFBEAT from page 52
or just needing someone to come
alongside and be an encourager.
We can make a difference in the
Central Coast now.
Cultivating Connections
Teach what you know. If you
don’t know a lot about horses, then
make it your business to hire someone
who does (even for an hour).
This can change a life. It can also
be a matter of safety. Do something
together like creating a website/blog
or racks for a saddle room. Set up a
computer with equine themes (perhaps
featuring the special person’s
horse), take a trip to a show or
event, plan a full day of trail riding
without interruptions or a training
session that you can enjoy together.
Take a roping class (ranch, arena
or trick) for something different.
Perhaps next year will be the year
to create a horseback adventure
here in the US or one overseas.
These memories last a lifetime.
Come Alongside
Sometimes help with the little
things can be a delightful surprise:
boot cleaning, making hangers for
gear or gear box, creating a mounting
block/stand, auditing a favorite
clinician, gear identification marking
and photographing (make two copies
and store one elsewhere), putting
all of the recipient’s horse photos on
discs could make them more useable.
Give Something Truly
Useful
Gather: first aid and safety items
for horse and rider for the barn, the
trailer or a saddle pack (don’t forget
a whistle on a lanyard to be worn
when riding out even if you carry
a cell), a good knife and sheath,
making a health and hoof journal,
creating kits to enable the receiver
to “do” something specific such as
clean/condition gear, clean boots,
keep records, post information for
emergencies, etc. See if it is possible
to pair a person longing to own
or ride a horse with an animal that
would otherwise just stand (make
certain to check on the upkeep finances,
etc.).
A Gift That Keeps
On Giving
A donation to: SLO HEET
(emergency rescue/evacuation),
Morning Star Youth Ranch, the
scholarship programs of the Cattlewomen
and other ag groups,
Rancho de los Animales, Heaven
Can Wait Horse Rescue, Cal Poly’s
Horse Unit, Miller’s Equestrian,
Animali Farm, Wranglerette’s, Paloma
Creek Equestrian Center, high
school rodeo, the Railhead Arena, or
to 4-H or other equestrian groups
especially those setting up public
trails and arenas.
Perhaps joining in with the good
folks from Paso’s Holiday Inn Express,
PCCHA and the National
Breast Cancer Foundation for more
hot pink halters will help with research
in 2014.
Get out sturdy gloves and tools
to help with organized trail system
development/upkeep and meet
some new friends. Look into helping
animal victims of war or natural
disasters (we have plenty). Offer to
sponsor a class or perpetual trophy
to encourage those who are learning
while remembering the passion for
horses of a loved one. Maybe a new
horse is in your future for 2014?
Bless Someone
Put yourself out there. Encouragement
takes a little time and effort,
but it is a real boon to a life whether
young or old. Gather items for a
theme gift basket with any number
of horse items (hand cream, playing
cards with knots for horsemen
or CDs). Set up a snapshot/photo
session, frame show photos, plan a
video session, decorate a jacket or
sweaters, take a favorite photo and
have it printed for a cake, a tee shirt,
jacket, tote or cap. Remember to slip
in a scarf for warmth. If you have a
mature horse and are knowledgable,
then consider accompanying
someone with a young/novice horse
for a few trips on the trail. Locate a
special book to help educate. Perhaps
volunteer to watch or read to a child
so that his/her mother or dad can go
ride.
Think about how to use your
unique skills and talents to create a
gift that lasts. The gift of self is nearly
always the best. Give a Cowboy
Bible and invest time in sharing
and studying together. Remember
that the Greatest Gift given to the
world a long time ago is still free and
available to all who choose to invite
Him today.
Greetings
From our outfit to yours, may
you and your family (including your
critters) have a blessed Christmastide,
a celebration of Light and a
wonderful New Year filled with opportunities
for service, love, growth
and laughter despite what is going
on in the world.
Happy Holidays from Blake’s!
GREAT GIFT IDEAS
Dietz Oil Lanterns, Picotte Wind
Chimes, Zippo Lighters, Pocket
Knives, Leatherman
PLUS! Every tool imaginable and
much, much more…a do-ityourselfers
paradise plus an expert
staff to answer all your questions!
From nuts & bolts to water heaters, BLAKE’S has been
providing our community with the hardware you need for over 61 years
Rain Protection...
We have tarps,
raincoats, boots &
more!
BLAKE’S, INC.
HARDWARE
1701 Riverside Avenue • Paso Robles, CA • 238-3934
Celebrating Over 61 Years of Service to the Central Coast
DON’T FORGET!...
open saturdays
8am - 5pm &
sundays 9am-2pm
Wholesale Pricing
No Job Too Small
New Construction
Remodels/Repairs
Tractor Work & Grading
Horse Facilities
General Contractor
35 Years Experince
Lic. 735162
• Concrete Work
• Fencing
• Barns & Arenas
• Electrical
• Plumbing
• Painting
• Tile
• Roofing
• Decks
• Garages
• Solar Electric
Danny Diaz
(805) 558-4193
December 2013, Paso Robles Magazine 53