Horses to the Rescue

We've all had those days, and it seemed like it was my turn. A friend reached out and knew just what I needed - to spend time with the horses. We spent the day grooming, riding through the beautiful Los Gatos foothills, then grooming again. It gave me just the break I needed to stop over thinking life's challenges.





Breezy above, Shierka below, and Matisse bottom right

I rode Shierka, a beautiful Arabian and a very well behaved mare. I also got to know Matisse and Breezy, and it was interesting to see how each horse had a distinct personality. For a lazy summer day, everyone was laid back, so of course I had no choice but to join in. That reminded me of the powerful healing properties animals give us.






The American Pet Products Manufacturer's Association shares the following health statistics. Review, enjoy, and always remember that they're there for us.

• Pets Help to Lower Blood Pressure A recent study at the State University of New York at Buffalo found that people with hypertension who adopted a cat or dog had lower blood pressure readings in stressful situations than did those who did not own a pet. (Dr. Karen Allen, State University of New York at Buffalo)
• Pets Help to Reduce Stress Walking with a pet helps to sooth nerves and offers instant relaxation. Studies conducted worldwide have shown that the impact of a stressful situation is lesser on pet owners, especially males, than on those who do not own a pet. (Josephine M. Wills, Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, United Kingdom)
• Pets Help to Prevent Heart Disease Because pets provide people with faithful companionship, research shows they may also provide their owners with greater psychological stability, thus a measure of protection from heart disease. (National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets)
• Pets Help to Lower Health Care Costs People with pets actually make fewer doctor visits, especially for non-serious medical conditions. (National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets)
• Pets Help to Fight Depression Pets help fight depression and loneliness, promoting an interest in life. When seniors face adversity or trauma, affection from pets takes on great meaning. Their bonding behavior can foster a sense of security. (Between Pets and People: The Importance of Animal Companionship)