Apr
06
I’d give up a week’s worth of carrots to have a pair of hands right now. Just to scratch that spot on my back that’s been driving me crazy for the last 4 hours. The seasons mean more to us horses than bright scarves, new windshield wipers, the 
dreaded swimsuit ordeal and turning the clocks this way and that. As the days get shorter and cooler, our internal switch flips and things start to change inside us. Our coats become thicker and darker – no longer the sleek, flat look of summer and we look bundled up in our own hair. As a California horse and a Thoroughbred, I am spared a wooly mammoth likeness, however it is still an itchy and annoying mess come springtime.
Karen, my owner, does her best to help with the shedding – a pumice to pull and scrape the old clumps of fuzz away from my skin, a soft brush to rid me of its prickly presence, and smoothing with my terry towel to regain the plush shine. I often wish people knew about the importance of the seasons and how our lives mimic nature. The exuberant romping in fields during the high-spirited spring of youth, excitement and newness around every tree that is typical for this time of birth. While summer resembles the bursting exhilaration of adulthood, families and careers – relishing the seemingly infinite abundance. As fall enters our lives, we reflect and ripen – perspective and contemplation take precedence. Winter brings an individual acceptance and realization that our significance is dependent on the fulfillment of our personal destiny’s duty. Not some vague general “meaning of life” concept removed from reality, but a private culmination of countless small daily choices that produces the worth of our lives.
By Karen Murdock
Photo: Linda Walton
Apr
05
Category : Watch Videos
Click here to listen to the radio show: http://www.nashvillenewzine.com/horseradio/engine/swf/player.swf?url=../../Episodes/Episode19.flv&volume=70
(note it will open in a new window for you – then you can sit back and listen as you wish!)
The Horse And Friends Radio Show is hosted by Conrad Noddin and Rafael Valle with Ivory Pal. They talk “all things horse” and interview by telephone recognized trainers, veterinarians, singer/songwriters, authors, horse rescue ranchers, artists, and more. This is a real hybrid broadcast of radio with enhancement from visuals including graphics, photos, and video.
Apr
01
I’d give up a week’s worth of carrots to have a set of hands right now. Just to scratch that spot on my back that’s been driving me crazy for the last 4 days. The seasons mean more to us horses than bright scarves, new windshield wipers, the dreaded swimsuit ordeal and turning the clocks this way and that. As the days get shorter and cooler, our internal switch flips and things start to change inside us. Our coats become thicker and darker – no longer the sleek, flat look of summer and we look bundled up in our own hair. As a California horse and a Thoroughbred, I am spared a wooly mammoth likeness, however it is still an itchy and annoying mess come springtime. [Read more...]
Dec
04
His name is Lukas and he’s the current holder of the Guinness Book of World Records for the Smartest Horse. His owner and best friend Karen Murdock is a loving and enlightened woman who’s devoted her life to teaching a simple yet powerful method of training animals using kindness and affection.
When I first learned of Karen and Lukas, I wanted to create a portrait of Lukas as a donation to them for their tireless and humble efforts. I contacted Karen and we set up an appointment.
Upon meeting Lukas, I was overwhelmed with how affectionate, interactive and communicative he was. Eager to express the love and devotion he and Karen share, he spoke of his gratitude for being rescued (he’s an off the track thoroughbred) as well as how important their work together has become. I asked him if he realized what an impact he was having on the lives of both people and animals. His matter-of-fact reply was “Well, it’s just what we do”. When I queried him about his up-coming portrait, (I always ask my animal subjects if they have anything special in mind for their painting) he said he wanted it to speak to Karen’s heart. “She and I are like one.”
As the weeks progressed and I worked on Lukas’ portrait, we posted photos of the painting on his facebook page along with communications Lukas and I were having. His fans watched as Lukas’ portrait unfolded; I was thrilled to share my remarkable experiences with such an exceptional horse.
Of all the animals whose portraits I’ve created, Lukas is by far one of the most unforgettable; I was deeply touched by him. His dignity, his uplifting sense of humor and most importantly his message of kindness, dedication and love are far reaching. Lukas continues to inspire individuals and organizations all around the world. Through the work that he and Karen are doing, people from all walks of life are recognizing animals as the highly intelligent, living souls they are. Karen and Lukas are showing others that by treating animals with the respect, patience and tenderness they deserve, our lives can be filled with unconditional love, hope and wonder.
For more information about Lukas visit www.playingwithlukas.com
Debra Saum Blog – To find out more about animals, true stories, her art, books and other great stuff please visit Debra’s blog.
