Getting up early to feed my horses has been an interesting play-out so far. Generally, I am used to sleeping in a bit later when I can, snoozing my alarm, having lazy mornings, but all of that came to a quick and sudden end when I adopted my two beautiful horses.

I have become used to getting up early, ensuring that in the evenings I go to bed at a reasonable hour to receive a good night’s sleep. I don’t just enjoy my sleep; I need a minimum of eight hours of sleep. Unlike many other people who also need that amount but manage to go on without because of their love and addiction to caffeine, my wires are built differently, particularly because I don’t even enjoy or drink coffee. Never have and never will. I survive on natural energy or energy from my food and sweet treats (which I am working on).

Feeding my horses has not just become a task, it has become part of my life, part of my routine, and something to wake up for in the morning. Seeing them peering over their gate, waiting patiently for me to make my way, tails lazily swishing, is what makes the early mornings worth it.

I tend to sit and wait for Phantom to finish her food as she is naughty and tends to push her feed bin over, tipping her food onto the floor. Uusally, I wouldn’t mind this sort of behaviour if it made her happy, but since the last time she had mild colic and I was told it could have been due to her pushing her food onto the floor and digesting sand because of it, I try my best to prevent her eating directly from the ground. Eating her meals, I mean, not the grass.

I enjoy feed time, it forces me to slow down and gives me a chance to actually breathe in the day, as I feed them in the afternoon as well. Sometimes I just end up stroking Phantom’s neck or gently leaning on her and scratching her back, which I think she secretly enjoys but pretends not to. It’s a routine of peace, a reminder to slow down, and to stop rushing.

I don’t have a groom like all of Kyalami does for their horses, for a few different reasons. One, it’s not currently in my financial plans, two, I only have two horses and I decided to take them home, therefore I believe I should be the one who tends to them, grooms them and feeds them, and three, I enjoy the daily outdoor tasks that a groom would usually be doing.

Maybe one day when I have my own space to live in and can afford more horses to take care of, and will need the extra hands, I will consider hiring help, but for now I am happy with things just as the way they are.

I also have offers from family who would kindly step in and make sure they are fed on time if I wish to sleep in for a day (not that that’s possible because my body clock knows to wake up at eight) or if I am busy or running late, which is always nice to have. Friendly chip ins to help when needed.

Feeding them yourself is also a form of bonding. You are connecting with them through food, but it’s similar to when you give them carrots or horse treats. They will know that you care about their interests and what they eat as well!

Next time you want to spend some time with your horse without any expectations, try feeding them sometimes and just being with them while they eat. I also personally love to hear them chewing their food, which may seem weird to some, but is really cute to me. I will go mad if I hear a person chew loud or obnoxiously, but if it’s my horses, it is absolutely the cutest thing in the world!