P Reach Out
a very sad event: the funeral of a kind and loving individual, a wonderful friend to so many, a grandmother, a mother, an avid equestrian with two horses, a dog lover, a woman who was clearly living with a lot of inner turmoil—a woman who took her own life the week before. No one saw it coming. In retrospect, however, we were able to recall signs of her struggles and problems that led our good friend
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to make such a tragic decision. Tis woman was so well loved, having lived in our community for 58 years, it was standing room only at the funeral service. Her unexpected and unsettling death has leſt us scratching our heads and wondering why she didn’t reach out for help in her community and circle of friends. But maybe the better question is, why didn’t we, her community, reach out to her? Te note she leſt behind did answer some questions for the family. However, it turns out neither her will nor the note leſt
instructions for the care of her horses and her dogs. Tis was definitely out of character for our dear friend. Fortunately people in the community have stepped up to donate food and money towards the upkeep of her animals until the estate is settled. Tis senseless tragedy brought waves of emotion in the community, ranging from tears and sleepless nights to anger and
frustration. Now that the dust is settling, what’s leſt are a few messages worth sharing: • “See something, say something.” After 9/11, this message was, and still is, emphasized by the media, although for different
reasons. But it applies to the emotional health of friends and family as well. If someone appears to be overburdened in your circle of friends, speak up and reach out. • If you are going through personal problems causing severe stress in your own life, please don’t wait. Seek help from multiple
sources and reach out to friends and family. • If your struggle is overwhelming you, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline (in the United States). The number is 800- 273-8255. A similar service is available in Canada. • Write some kind of instructions, preferably in a will, describing what you would like your loved ones to do with your animals in
the event they outlive you. Many of us are the only equestrians in our families, so it’s better to have something set up ahead of time with local horse friends, just in case. I’ve had people approach me and ask if I will agree to take responsibility of their animals (dogs or horses) when they pass. Better to be proactive and reach out. In the dictionary, an additional definition of community states it’s “a body of persons of common and especially professional
interests scattered through a larger society.” Our “larger society” is made up of sport horse owners, riders and trainers, which continues to grow, and we must support and help each other regardless of where we live. As I select the editorial for each issue of Warmbloods Today, I try to ask these questions: Is this issue going to help our readers do
right by their horses? Will it inspire them? Does it present valuable ideas, stories or opinions? For over ten years I have done my best to serve the industry with Warmbloods Today; it’s been my way to “reach out.” But there are certainly plenty of other ways, big and small, of accomplishing this—you don’t have to publish a magazine. Using your own talents and abilities, figure out how you can best reach out to others in the communities you are a part of. You
might be surprised at the difference you can make in the lives of others. And that, my friends, makes life worth living, one day at a time.
he primary definition of community is, according to Merriam-Webster, “a unified body of individuals such as people with common interests living in a particular area.” Recently, our local community, including the local horse community, attended
ublisher’s Welcome
Liz Cornell
editor@warmbloodstoday.com
12 May/June 2019
Ed Haas
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