Afinenettle

From AlexBrownRacing

Bio

I am 55, semi-retired (looking for a job - not in a hurry) eclectic soul seeking after ruthless integrity and infinite compassion. I like to be liked and approved of by my peers - but not enough to delay, omit or alter my truth and the vision of the world I want to co-create. I want to have the courage to embrace the beauty and the terror of this life. I often fail. I sometimes succeed. I morph these days according to some higher wisdom/power my consious mind is not privy to. However, I am starting to notice its outlines.

I spent the last 15 years as a corporate person in the high tech industry. Before that I was a jane of all trades, having many different experiences. My life has not been filled with endless pleasures, but it was not all pain. I would not trade it for all the pictures of happy ever after that get advertised. It has been very very rich. And I am very very grateful.

FOB activities

Identify rescues you support, other activities you have undertaken on TWR sites, what you have learned through following Barbaro and FOBs etc.

TB in California needs help Winsome Walter "Wally" rescued ABR 12/2/07-1/7/08

Ok I just had to sort my papers for tax prep so I actually know the answer to this one. Ouch. I spent way too much for my budget. I supported CBER and then adopted Cherry Blossom (now Rhiannon) from them. I supported Mustang Hearts. I supported a horse rescue done under the auspices of Whispering Winds. I sent money for the Gibson County impoundment done by Indiana Horse Rescues as well as to Shiloh horse rescue in NV. Some local efforts too.

I am appreciative of all rescues. Those I agree with and those I dont. When I dont agree I usually leave it alone and move on. Except for breeding. That makes NO sense. I have discovered many needy horses right under my nose in Somoma County. I now spend my resources taking care of my horse, that I must board, and supporting local rescue efforts.

Here is what I have learned from the FOB's and other horse rescue groups: There are folks whose instincts are to demonize any one with a different opinion - as opposed to simply offering a dialogue around the disagreement. That leads to the Us and Them wars. This is disempowering and counter-productive.

Others project their own vulnerabilities and victimhood onto the horses and then every horse is a project in rescuing themselves. They lose sight of the needs of the horse. The horse must not be allowed to die at all costs. Sometimes the horse's need is to die. Sometimes there are too many horses to take care of properly. Like now. IMO we need to call home our own personal terrors. The horses have their own angels bending low and are less fearful of casting off their mortal coil than we might think. Let us not be a cause of their SUFFERING.

IMO if we can bear the beauty and the horror without these avoidance tactics - the horse rescue community will be a powerful force for a new contract with the planet and all its citizens - esp. those in our personal care.

I am trying to organize an umbrella organization here in Sonoma County to respond to local horse welfare issues. We esp. need this to work with Animal Control and the Sheriff's Dept on large animal rescue.

I also will post requests for donations to any individual effort I come across that needs help.