Wise Horsemanship at Freedom Farm: Gratitude for the Little Things That Add Up

by Mary Gallagher

Trainee Lorenzo loves our training walks.

Once again I find that it is little, even unseen things that gift me with the most joy in life. Looking back on 2025, I am once again almost overwhelmed with Gratitude…

First, I give thanks to God for the grand and the meek and all the little wonders tucked in between. So much of what we enjoy about our life on the Farm is unseen—fresh air, well-fed soil that nourishes life, kindness between friends and strangers alike, the connected energy of horses for each other and their people. To me, it’s all an expression of Divine care, and I am profoundly grateful to be here with all of it, and all of you.

Thank you Jerry Schmidt, for the big things that give birth to so many little things we enjoy throughout our days. One big round bale makes a lot of happy horses, for sure, and yet what you give to the Farm is so much bigger than a round bale! Every animal and piece of machinery that moves on this farm is in your hands. Thanking you a million times would never be enough for all the little things rolled up in the big things you do.

Lester and friends last summer.

Lester Hardy is my constant reminder of the little things that fill our hearts with joy. Your knack for coming up with a little awareness to light up the moment, or a great song to lift our spirits. No one slips by without hearing a joke, including unsuspecting newcomers! No one gets away without a smile or laugh—thank you Lester.

Jeremy Soderstrom reminds us to celebrate life with laughter and especially, fond memories of our horses here and now, as well as friends past, forming a chain with many links. Each link is a special memory of each life we have shared with one another—never to be forgotten, and celebrated often. Thank you, Jeremy.

Shelena Jones, thanks for all the great work in 2025! Good to have you with us.

Haleyanna Fell, thanks for spending your college breaks with us, often filling in when I am away. What a huge help! Thanks!

Jess Crouch, thank you for all the times you step in to assist in bettering our horsemanship. It takes an educated eye to step in and fix up a situation before it escalates. We are all so grateful for your kind suggestions that steer us in the right direction. Thank you, Jess.

Mary Mira’s quick dry wit like a tickle in the ribs, combined with a little poke that keeps you on your toes! Which one are we going to get..? A jumbo pack of toilet paper?… or a delicious torte from a master chef. Sharp you are, Mary Mira. Thank you!

Breanna York intuitively knows the special something I need right then, that will bring peace and balance back into the moment. Only angels know these things. Thank you, Angel!

Kathy Schmidt, I am so grateful for your helping with emergencies with genuinely calming words and actions. I always call Kathy to help me in a pinch, because she can do it all. She has been with us at Freedom Farm so long, she understands all the places that could go out of wack and has the emotional fitness to lead in any situation. This is a big deal in a petite person. You are a savior, thank you, Kathy. (And thank you, thank you, thank you for finding and fetching me an awesome litter of barn kitties!!!!)

A helping hand from Kip Tulin, always opening our eyes with compassion and humor, appreciating the beauty in all creatures, helping us share each moment’s joys. Thank you Kip for your farm work help, care and compassion.

Mary Tulin, welcoming all and keeping us updated on the latest tech; editor, cleaner-up of the website, and inventor of posts. Her special eye for the uniqueness of Freedom Farm tirelessly keeps our followers satisfied with beautiful posts and script. You do it so well. Thank you, Mary.

Hoof Beats, a remarkable group of young people. Our Hoof Beats students are remarkably connected, stepping in and helping each other in every kind of situation: Trimming their own and each other’s horses when needed; exercising each other’s horses and communicating on lessons to focus on. They do school work together, too. They help me out with training horses, grooming, and turnouts. At horse shows, they do all the barn chores and get to the arena ahead of schedule, help each other memorize courses, and eat meals as a team. I can’t say enough about how much they care for each other, even as they develop in their own growing independence. Hoof Beats students, it’s all the little things you do that make you such a fantastic team to teach. Thank you all.

Hoof Beats parents are remarkable, too! It is such a privilege to work with parents that are so dedicated to the wellbeing and support of the whole team. The success we have shared is a testament to how much you give to the team. Want to know how many little things can you cram into a very busy schedule? …just ask a parent. You are so appreciated! Thank you.

Kimi Robertson is a master of knowing how little things connect with other little things. Disguised as your talent for organization, it really is Magic! Thank you, Kimi!

Wendy Comstock of Wensleydale Farm in Oregon, in juggling so many challenges with courage and grace, you inspire me. And you have raised and loved so many beautiful horses, which you share with me as their trainer. You interact with the Hoof Beats team with respect, kindness, and enthusiasm, always coaching us on the preciousness of ourselves and our horses. It’s the little things like hand-grooming a tail, walking a course, encouraging feedback. The many qualities you add to our equestrian adventures inspires us to keep reaching for the stars. Thank you, Wendy.

And finally, our adult riders (including several of the above mentioned) have been known to refer to themselves as “Boomer Beats”. The core group I teach has been showing up for years, quietly working on their horsemanship as willing students ready to go with whatever I’ve been noodling as far as activities. From ground work, to basic dressage, to ‘cow work lite’, these good folks are truly dedicated, mutually supportive and helpful to newcomers as well, and just great to be around. Thanks for being here, people!

Well, that’s what comes to mind at the dawn of 2026, looking back on a very full 2025. I’m grateful for all of it…. (see paragraphs one and two). May the New Year bring blessings to you and your loved ones, and our community at Freedom Farm!