This year I'm thankful for...

[KathyR]

A little early, but we're leaving for Ohio for Thanksgiving tomorrow. Maybe we could keep this going for the week. I'm thankful for a hubby who encourages my riding, doesn't complain about the riding expenses, and who has his health back. I'm also thankful that my sister is doing well, after several surgeries and chemos for ovarian cancer is doing well, that the horsie I ride takes great care of me, sometimes more than necesssary, usually my fault, that I have a great trainer who understands that as a re-rider that sometimes I have an uh-oh moment when jumping. She only says to do it again. I'm thankful that I have fun riding and being around great friends and family.

[dalpal]

I'm very thankful that business here is good, so I can continue to support both horses, three dogs, and 2 cats. :yes:

[horsegirl123]

After the year that I have had I am thankful for my health and my family. I am thankful that I have a husband who lets my daughter explore her passion for showing and that he does it with us. He gave up golfing to spend time with us on the weekend. I am soooo thankful that gas prices came down!!!:yes:

Happy Thanksgiving!

[Mali]

I'm thankful that I have a good family, stellar husband, fulfilling job, and my own little peace of heaven on earth. I'm thankful that all of my animals are healthy (at the moment). I can't think of anything I'm NOT thankful for at the moment. Life is Good.

[FlashGordon]

Hey, good thread.

I am most thankful for my daughter, who is always a bright light in my life. She's just two, and only a few minutes ago asked me when I was getting her a helmet so she could ride my horse! :lol:

Of course for Mr FG, who is ever loyal and supportive of my choices, even the crazy horsey ones! ("Sure honey, I can drive you halfway down the east coast to see a horse...")

Though I still miss Dan so much it hurts to breathe sometimes, I am thankful I had those months with him. He was, well, amazing. It is an experience I'll never forget. And I will forever be grateful to EqT for sharing him with me.

And last but not least I'm thankful for Windsor, who in a round-about way forced me into continuing the horse thing, and who taught me the importance of resiliency!

Happy Turkey Day to all....

[veebug22]

I'm thankful that I have a good job with a company that's still thriving and amongst co-workers I really like, and gave me a nice bonus and raise this year! I'm grateful for a great hubby that's also in the military but currently on shore duty -- the job security of a spouse in the military is always nice, but one that's also home every night for dinner? That's rare! We're enjoying it while it lasts. I'm grateful for two kind-hearted, talented horses that I can afford to give top quality grain, hay, cozy blankets, and a well-bedded stall each night. I'm grateful for two dogs that keep me laughing, and that we have enough money to live comfortably and still afford extras every now and then. I'm grateful that everyone in my family is healthy and doing well at the moment. Often when I'm walking from the barn to the house at night, I think how very lucky I am -- not only because I feel like my life has all the elements I always dreamed of, but because I have it amongst a down economy and while other equally-deserving people don't. So I guess this year, I am grateful that I am in a position to help others that haven't had as much luck this year.

[ddashaq]

I am thankful for the best horsey husband ever, that my darling horse is finally looking sound and is in overall good health, and for my family who always support whatever I do.

[jetandmegs4]

I'm thankful that my horses are healthy, and that they enjoy their jobs. I love my OTTBs!

[saddleup]

I'm thankful for my health, for my healthy kids, for my friends and family.

Thankful, too, for my three beautiful and opinionated horses, and for the way it makes me feel every single time I look out the window and see them happily snoozing in the sun in my back paddock. Horses and horsey friends have seen me through some very dark times, saved my sanity, and given me a reason to get up in the morning more mornings than I care to remember.

And yes, I'm really grateful that the price of diesel has gone down considerably. Wish the same could be said for hay and shavings!

[BelladonnaLily]

I'm thankful that my family and I are all healthy.

I'm thankful that hubby and I both have relatively secure jobs.

I'm thankful we get to raise our family on this beautiful farm in this great house, with all of our animals.

I'm thankful the Lord has been so good to us, and that we can recognize that our life has much more good than bad in it.

I'm thankful I've been alive another day.

[Dance_To_Oblivion]

I am thankful for my wonderful husband who dreams of a farm just as much as I do and has a great job that makes so many awesome things happen!

I am thankful for my very opinionated mare who encourages me every day to ride better for her and that just spending time with her brings great joy to my life!

I am thankful for my friends and family and that we are all healthy and happy!

[cranky]

I am thankful to be riding this year after a 22-year absence.

I am thankful that (for the most part) it's pretty much coming back to me.

I am thankful that I'm still pretty brave on a horse and seem to more or less have good instincts.

I am thankful to have a job that gives me an income to be able to afford riding in my life.

I am thankful to live in a place where there are a lot of riding and horse options, very close by.

I am hoping to be able to stay on this path for the coming year and beyond. Hopefully having my own horse someday.

[billiebob]

I'm thankful for my free horse (thanks to our vet, who wanted him to have a good home :)). Who knew the perfect horse for a fairly timid rider like me would be a 5 y.o. OTTB. Like, straight from the track OTTB.

I'm thankful that my granddad didn't feel like paying taxes on one of his farm vehicles and sold me his 2001 pickup with 50,000 miles on it for $1.

I'm thankful that I like my job and the people I work with. I complain a lot but I really do like it, I swear!

ETA: I'm thankful that I work in Chester County. I know it gets a bad rep on here sometimes but it's a great place for horsey activities.

[ReSomething]

I'm thankful that the family is all together under the same roof now, all the moving is done and now we have loads of projects.
I am thankful for my job, even though it exhausts me.
I am thankful that I was able to find a barn close by and even though I may always be the wannabe I am still taking lessons and having fun learning a new discipline.
I'm just thankful.

[Reds-n-Greys]

I'm thankful for my two wonderful children, 17 years old and really good kids and my husbalnd who has put up with me for 19 years...and counting.....

I'm thankful for our health.

I'm thankful my husband still has a job in this economy.

I'm thankful for this BB. There are so many wonderful, intelligent horse people here - and cause I get to be a part of an awesome card swap and Rescue Secret Santa project :D

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

[cowgirljenn]

Right now, I'm thankful that 2008 is almost over. Its been a hellish year.

I'm also thankful that it appears my FIL's surgery was successful and the cancer was removed.

I'm thankful that if my mom has to have a horrid disease, that she can be strong and have an inspiring attitude.

I'm thankful we evacuated with all of our animals and no lives were lost. I'm also thankful that we have something to rebuild/fix (instead of being completely wiped out).

I'm thankful for my husband and his support.

I'm thankful for my fellow rescuers.

I'm thankful for all of my critters.

I'm thankful all but one of my horses has moved back home.

[see u at x]

Right now, I'm thankful that 2008 is almost over. Its been a hellish year.


Agree with this one 100%.

But, beyond that, I am grateful for so many things. My firm just had several layoffs a couple of weeks ago and I am thankful that I still have a job. Actually, I work two jobs right now, and I am thankful for both of them.

I am thankful that although my best friend's dad died in August, I had seven years of him being MY dad, too. My own father and I weren't always close, and when my parents died, my friend's mom and dad took me in as their own kid and always treated me as such. He was such a good and decent person, and although he wasn't perfect, he helped to set a great example for what men are supposed to be and how they should treat their families.

I'm thankful for friends and family who love me and I'm thankful for the old friends I've been able to get back in touch with after several years.

I'm thankful for my health and for the health of my horses and my cat.

I'm thankful to have a car and a roof over my head.

I'm thankful for boarding at a wonderful barn with great people who take exceptional care of my horses.

I'm thankful for the vets who did such a great job in treating my horse when she was injured a year ago Thanksgiving weekend, and I'm so thankful that she didn't lose her eye and has recuperated.

I'm thankful to be able to participate in a sport that I love.

And I'm thankful for the new horse friends I've met this year through this bulletin board and otherwise. :)

[Ambrey]

I can hardly count them!

I'm thankful for my husband who tolerates my expensive horse habit.
I'm thankful for my two wonderful horses, who give me so much love every day.
I'm thankful for the friends at the barn who look after my horses when I'm not there.
I'm thankful for the barn management and employees who make it such a nice place to be.
I'm incredibly thankful for my trainer, even when he yells at me ;)
I am thankful in advance for HP who is going to build my new computer REALLY FAST, RIGHT? RIGHT?
I am sure I left tons of things off.

[jazzrider]

I'm thankful that this year passed quickly. It's been a rough one for us, with my brother's passing last December. I'm thankful for the horses, dogs and even the barn cats -- who give us a reason to smile each day. I'm thankful that our riding horses have been rideable :) and that all of our crew has been healthy and happy. I'm thankful for my husband, who is my best friend, fellow rider, and makes me laugh every day because he's such a big softy (and pushover) when it comes to all the animals -- even the mice in the feed room. :sadsmile:

[pinkdiamondracing]

I am thankful for a wonderful hubby who bought a farm out in the country so my precious 24 year old OTTB that I have had 16 years could have a place to retire and live out his days, and indulges me and my dog rescuing ways ( we now have 5--4 of which are rescues).

I am thankful that the above 24 year old man is fat and healthy.

I am thankful that my 4 year old TB is training well, and is sitting on a win to help pay some of the bills and maybe buy some hay for the long, hard winter we are predicted to have.

I am thankful that my kitty Nalla is at peace now, after having been sick for so long, and I can look out my front window under the tree and know she is looking in the house at us, letting us know she is happy and pain free.

I am thankful to have a good job at the horsepital which offers good benefits and a generous discount on vet care for my animals.

Mostly I am thankful that my family is healthy and comes out to visit me every year during Rolex.

[slpeders]

I am thankful to be healthy and employed and that my husband is also healthy and employed, as is my son and his family.
I'm thankful to have had my beautiful inside and out "Saint" Katie for just over 10 years and for all the things that she taught me, and continues to teach me.
I'm thankful to the friends and horses that kept me going through the summer and fall after K had to leave this world in May.
I'm thankful for my new girl, Largo, and the twists and turns the Universe took to get her to me. As an earlier poster said, who'd have thought the perfect mount for a timid rider would be an OTTB? well...mine never ran, she got banned for bad behavior, so I guess she's got that going for her!?!
I'm thankful to her previous owners, who helped her grow into the talented, aristocratic mare that she is now.
I'm thankful for the many friends that horses have brought to me -- "IRL" and here.
May you all have a holiday season that fulfills your wishes and dreams!

[CanterQueen]

I am thankful my hubby's job didn't disolve in the Fannie/Freddie mess (it could have). :eek:

I'm very thankful for our new acreage and being able to see the "boys" playing in our back yard. :D

And all that health and family stuff too! ;)

[Ted the Peep 'Ho]

All the fabulous donors who have been such terrific Secret Santas for the Horse Rescues!

And the fact that peppermint peep stars are again available.

[VAHorseGurl]

This year, I'm thankful for the many new friends I've made here and at the Ranch.

I'm thankful for my health, my family and my wonderful DH who, while he does razz me a bit about Pete and the expenses, he does so out of love for me. :lol:

I'm thankful for Pete and my 4 other cainine companions. I'm thankful for my job & my boss, the roof over my head and the SUV I drive.

And I'm most thankful to our Soldiers and their families.

[AnotherRound]

Well, thank God I lost 50 pounds.

[N2Equus]

I'm thankful this Thanksgiving that we have a roof over our head, heat in our home and food on our table.

I'm thankful all of my critters have a roof over their head and we are able to supply their grain, hay, dog and cat food.

I'm thankful that everyone is healthy in my home and on the farm now. I am thankful my daughter's health is better and that I am still in remission.

I'm thankful for the new horse in the barn. She is a godsend to my daughter who definitely needed a pick-me-up after the beginning of this year.

I'm thankful for a good job and transportation to get me there.

I'm thankful my family is together this year.

I'm mostly thankful that God is patient with me and still finds it in his heart to bless me and keep me in his favor. He must really have a sense of humor!

[inquisitive]

I'm thankful that even though my horses racked up lots of vet bills this year and haven't been rideable and it's been incredibly stressful and frustrating, when I really think about it they're all alive and (relatively) healthy :)

I'm thankful to all the vets that helped my baby boy survive and love watching my little miracle grow :sadsmile:

I'm thankful that my parents are being so supportive and loaning me money so I can pay off my vet bills slowly

I'm thankful that my fiance is being so understanding (and taking care of our new house) even though my stress-level has been through the roof! :dead:

I'm thankful my BO and BM have taken such wonderful care of my horses

I'm thankful my family is all healthy and my soon-to-be-brother-in-law is alive and well in Iraq

I'm thankful for the support of my friends through this amazingly crazy year

I'm thankful my company is still hanging on (though 2009 is up in the air)

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

I am thankful for the health of my family and friends, and that we are all still (mostly) employed. I am thankful that my research is still funded (though that can change!). I am thankful for my wonderful barn and trainer, and for my joy, Ted. I am thankful for the wonderful students in my lab who make each day so enthusiastic and fun. I am thankful for the opportunity to help equines rescues in my dribble-like way.

On a lighter note, I am thankful I am not lactose intolerant or most of my diet would go out the window.

[dressagetraks]

This year, I am especially thankful for my family and for being raised the way I was. I am thankful that I was able to keep Mom here on the farm for almost 3 years, and I am thankful that when it totally got to be too much, we found a good place for her. I am thankful that the funding came through to pay for that good place. I am thankful she got to see her "grandfoal" from the morning of his birth through his first 18 months and for the joy he brought to her.

I am thankful for a good job who went far, far beyond what could have been expected to work with me this year and was always patient when for months straight, I could not get all my hours in.

I am thankful to live on my project farm, the most peaceful spot on earth, and that there are only 14 more payments left on it.

Ever since a farm accident 6 years ago when a strand of rusty barbed wire speared my right eye, I try to express thanks at least once a day for the ability to still see, and try to notice the beauty of the trees, flowers, clouds, and yes, horses, no matter what kind of day I'm having.

I am thankful for the horses, including the just-arrived added broodmare and the one who will arrive in the spring.

I am thankful for a God-given talent in music and for opportunities to use it to provide a lift to others.

And always, I'm thankful to God for providing all of the above and so much more.

[tikidoc]

I'm thankful for my family (husband and two daughters). I'm thankful for the three horses that I already have and the one who is coming the Saturday after Thanksgiving. That one was rescued after getting very close to the slaughterhouse, and I am thankful for those that rescued him.

[BuddyRoo]

Lovely thread!

Horsewise:

I am thankful that all of my critters are doing well right now.

I am thankful that I was able to overcome my post-op fears and really get back in the saddle...physically and mentally. Didn't realize how big of a deal that was going to be.

I am thankful that Tiempo taught me how to trim because I've saved a lot of money this year (and it all went to vet expenses!).

All else:

I am thankful that I've had a very good year medically. No more big scares. No more surgeries. All is good.

I am thankful that I still have a job.

I am thankful that my old car keeps running even though I have no idea why. She should be dead by now, but she's still running.

I am thankful that I have a home to call my own (even though the bank owns it)

I am thankful that I was able to (for the most part) keep my New Year's Resolution this year which was to have a reason to smile EVERY day.

[JEN22]

This year I'm thankful for all the blessings that I have.
I lost my home in a tornado in May, a week after euthing my dear old dog. We had a rough summer but it could've been worse, so much worse.
I'm thankful that we were not home during the tornado and that there was only 1 life lost in my neighborhood.
I'm thankful for my beautiful little girl and wonderful husband.
I'm thankful that I still have a job, as much as I dislike it at times!
I'm thankful that we can put food on the table and still have the little extras.
I'm thankful for fabulous friends and family that have been so supportive this year.
I'm thankful that my mare is deciding to work with me instead of against me, sometimes..
I'm thankful that I can still afford to give donations this year to the food shelves, toys for tots, the SS rescues and as many other very deserving causes that I can afford.

So, yes, I'm very thankful and makes me feel guilty for so many years I've bitched and moaned. Finally I have things in perspective. Thanks for starting this thread!

And all of you have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

[Trevelyan96]

I'm thankful for my healthy family, a wonderful husband and daughter, 2 great horses, a wonderful new trainer, job security and adequate income.

In short, I'm thankful god has blessed me with everthing I need and many things I want.

[Blkarab]

This is wonderful!

I'm so thankful for so many things.

I'm thankful for my wonderful husband who continually supports, protects and encourages me.

I'm thankful for my new house that is only 5 minutes from the barn and my horse (instead of 20min).

I'm thankful that the movers came last Thursday, so my cats and dogs could be used to the new house and yard before we leave for Thanksgiving vacation.

I'm thankful for my wonderful family. That my Mom is doing well after my Dad passed away last year. The health of all of my family members. That my Father-in-law is cancer free.

I'm thankful for my wonderful friends and especially my trainer. Who has been very supportive while my husband and I have been moving, and in helping me with my riding challenges.

I'm thankful for my wonderful cats and dogs that keep me happy, grounded and laughing, and give me the continual sense of joy whenever I hear them purr (or bark).

I'm thankful that I have been blessed enough to have a job in this tough economy and to work for a family business.

I'm thankful and grateful for my beautiful mare. She keeps me grounded, healthy and humble.

Most importantly, I'm thankful for all of the blessings I have been given, great or small.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!

[slpeders]

TMI WARNING!!!
(and a laugh)

I'm thankful that the paper money that fell out of my pocket and into the toilet as I flushed it was $1 and not $20!!:o

hey....it's the little things, right?!?

[KathyR]

Isn't it wonderful that we all are thankful for the things that really mean so much, friends, family, horses (of course) and it's not the monetary things that mean so much? I also forgot to add in my original post, I'm also very thankful for the soldiers around the world who allow us to celebrate the holidays without fear. Many, many thanks to all who serve to keep us safe.

[sublimequine]

It's not horse-related, but last Wednesday night I found a lost cat by the mailboxes of my apartment complex. I brought him in for the night, but with one of my roommates being really allergic, was forced to bring him to the shelter Thursday morning. I felt so guilty leaving him there, and was worried sick about it.

Thursday night, I get a knock on my door. Surprise, it's the cat's owners! I had been knocking on everyone's doors the night before asking about it, and I guess they got my apt # from someone. I told them where he was, and they went to claim him Friday morning. I called the shelter today to confirm, and they said they could not release the cat to them Friday, because they had to go through a "reclaiming process" first. But the lady said the kitty should be home by Thanksgiving.

So I'm thankful that the lost kitty found his home. The chances of a stray cat finding it's owners again are SO slim, so he's one lucky cat. :):):)

[macmtn]

I am VERY thankful that all the denizens of Mac Mountain are healthy. And I proved :yes: I can make a living working at home.. after 30 years of slaving for (ungrateful pig headed small minded mean spirited cheap greedy live their whole lives with severe headupass syndrome ) day job employers. At least the bills are (mostly) paid on time and we are not starving. I am SO happy working for myself!!!..:lol::lol::lol: (Now all I need is health insurance...):winkgrin:
And-I am grateful for my online friends including all you Cothers ...without whose support and encourgement I probably would have ended up working for---another one of Those employers..

[jazzrider]

I've already listed the important things I'm thankful for a little earlier in this thread -- but today I'm thankful that none of the horses figured out that the back gate was left open by accident today. And I'm even more thankful that the wind didn't blow it open. :yes:

[PocketChange]

that my family is healthy. That Chester's suspensory strain has healed well and that we are back to full work including jumping. That Thirdcharm sold me Big Queen and what a blast it's been owning her. That I have great barn friends that put up with my crazy ways. And again my family is healthy.

[Ambrey]

Today, I am extra thankful to have a trainer who had the forethought to ride both of my horses today before the big rain :)

[Hunter Princess]

This year I'm thankful for being able to get a job after graduating college, and having the chance to move to a state where I always wanted to move, even if it didn't turn out to be as great as I thought. I'm also thankful for my friends and family for supporting me throughout my move and always being there if I needed a shoulder to cry on, or if I just needed to talk.

I'm also thankful to be able to be going home for thanksgiving tomorrow and have a few days off work.

[Sansena]

I'm grateful the mass removed from my DH is NOT cancer.
Im grateful my horse is at a great boarding facility, COTHs own Harmony-Hill, who gives him great care; I never have to worry about anything.
I'm grateful my boss is holding my job for me while DH recoups.
I'm grateful for good friends/ family who looked after the critters at home so I could stay at the hospital.
I'm grateful for mine and my family's health, and that currently the biggest concern I have is getting the house clean & organized.
I'm even grateful for the damned leaves some 14" thick in the yard-- least I have something to keep me busy, and fit!

[LAZ]

I'm thankful for having wonderful parents and extended family that raised me to appreciate the important things in life: honor, truth, love, loyalty, learning, open mindedness and duty; rather than the material things.

I'm thankful that I'm able to stand on my own two feet, and make my own way in the world every day.

I'm thankful that I have so many good friends.

I'm thankful that I have been in a position to provide help and care to the animals in my care that have needed it this year.

I'm thankful to be able to see the Milky Way on these bright nights.

I'm thankful that I'm not hungry, cold, lonely, or in any sort of danger, unlike many people of the world.

I guess I'm just thankful for the life I have and get to live!

[IveGotRhythm]

I am thankful beyond words that after 7 1/2 months of cutting through red tape we finally bought our first horse property!!! I am weeks away from being 41 years old and it will be the first time in my life my horses get to come live at home with me!!!!!!

[Ambrey]

I am thankful beyond words that after 7 1/2 months of cutting through red tape we finally bought our first horse property!!! I am weeks away from being 41 years old and it will be the first time in my life my horses get to come live at home with me!!!!!!

I am thankful that IGR is going to not be busy cutting red tape so she can post the photos she promised of her craigslist pony ;)

[Mersy]

I'm so thankful for God providing me with...
a wonderful family, a roof over my head, 2 horses (plus cats and dogs), a job, friends, food on the table, hay.

[IveGotRhythm]

I am thankful that IGR is going to not be busy cutting red tape so she can post the photos she promised of her craigslist pony ;)

Okay, Ambrey, I'm on it!

Of course, you know, I'm looking for another poor craigslist pony now to keep the first one company (since my TB thinks the pony is the scariest thing ever and at any rate my TB will still be boarded for the winter so pony needs a friend before I bring him home!)



I'm thankful for ponies. And Craigslist...

[Event4Life]

I'm thankful for Edinburgh Uni Equestrian Club! We just had a really nice Christmas Meal gathering and I went up to Kingsbarn to watch/help with the C-Teams Home Competition. It was so nice to be around horses again!!

[Ambrey]

Okay, Ambrey, I'm on it!

Of course, you know, I'm looking for another poor craigslist pony now to keep the first one company (since my TB thinks the pony is the scariest thing ever and at any rate my TB will still be boarded for the winter so pony needs a friend before I bring him home!)



I'm thankful for ponies. And Craigslist...

I am just jealous because if I had the space, I'd be adopting craigslist ponies left and right.

I am also thankful for ponies, even if I have to enjoy them vicariously!

[WB Mom]

Great thread!
I am grateful for all the wonderful things in my life I have been blessed with.
A loving husband, wonderful son and great family.
I am also grateful He did not choose to take my mother Home this year (so far).
More than anything, I am grateful for living a life where I do not have to struggle with food, shelter, health, a completely unstable government or anything that the majority of the world faces on a daily basis. Why I have been so blessed, I will never know, but I have and should make the best of it!

[War Admiral]

I have so much to be grateful for this year, it makes me teary-eyed to even think about it. This time last year I had three jobs, none of which could afford to pay me, and was nearly destitute. Thanks to the generosity of many COTHers I managed to make the move up here, get back on my feet, find a new job that I loff, make new friends that I loff, and best of all I got to keep my dear HRH Avery, who is now maintained in The Style To Which He Is Accustomed once again!

I know I can never repay all y'all for everything that you did for Avery and me, but from the bottom of my heart I say THANK YOU to everyone. I'm doing my best to pay it forward as much as I can, every single day.

[JohnDeere]

I am thankful in a twisted sort of way that Dobbin can run to his hearts contnet and not have to worry about what I wanted him to do. I am thankful that he doesnt have pain and isnt impared, which would have killed his spirit.

I am thankful that DD has a nice new horse that wont take much tweaking at all to really be something.

I am thankful that a lovely junior rider is paying (on time!) for Color. Color will be a great horse for thie beginner.

I am thankful that I have a project for the winter. Well not so much for the project but what will emerge from the cocoon at the end of winter. Im a little scared (this isnt my Dobbin after all) but just maybe there is an eagle inside that greenbean.

Im thankful that DHs job is very secure. When the economy tanks his job takes off.

Im thankful that I have a great new job. I can pay for horse expenses & donate some to help a horse in trouble all on my own. Plus I can do my other job s too with their blessing.

I have gr8 kids and really need nothing (except show clothes). I am truly blessed.

[pony grandma]

I am thankful for COTH! It has weaned me off of ebay!

A heck of a lot cheaper to cruise here. DH is grateful TOO! ;)