When the Going Gets Tough, Go to the Barn

The barn is familiar ground as a refuge from the day-to-day grind. Kate Kosnoff explores the idea of her barn as a sanctuary.

We’ve all been there. You’re having a horrible day. You’re sick, you had a fight with a friend or significant other, you stubbed your toe and spilled coffee all over your nice white shirt. Or, like me, you got dumped and you’re feeling sorry for yourself.

I’ll admit that I am the queen of throwing pity parties for myself, and it seems that lately, these parties have been almost daily occurrences. I’ve been in an unshakeable funk, but the one thing that seems to always cheer me up is hauling my sorry butt out to the barn to see this cute, squishy face.

Photo courtesy of Fingerprints Photography

This is Waffle, my 10 year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding with a perfect pink nose, platinum blonde mane, and the most adorable strawberry roan coloring. Even though he is mostly indifferent towards me unless I am holding some sort of food, spending time with Waffle is an instant cure for just about anything.

Animals have a knack for knowing when something is wrong with their “person”, and horses are no different. When it seems like there is no light at the end of the tunnel or like you can’t seem to catch a break, head straight to the farm. Even if you don’t feel like hopping in the saddle, just grooming or snuggling with your equine partner will cheer you up. That’s a fact.

Go riding!