When Little Things Are Big Things

Last night I went to the funeral visitation of a man who changed the course of my entire life. He gave me my first pony and set me on a life journey that has included horses ever since. Sure, there were many others who have played a role, but Mickey Maguire really set the wheels in motion with a little bay pony that he claimed no one else claimed.

Interestingly, I don’t know as he ever had a formal lesson, worked with a trainer, or showed horses at any level. He learned from his father, who at one time had 40 ponies in the middle of Grand Ledge, Michigan. But in any case, it didn’t matter one bit. He rode trails all over the country, enjoyed his animals and shared that passion with many, including me. Some of the best days of my childhood were spent at the Maguire farm, riding horses bareback (and barefoot) in bathing suits through the subdivision next door, running up steep hills like crazies, and learning to stay on…and fall off and get back up. In this day and age someone would call child protective services, I suppose, but I wouldn’t trade those days for anything. Summers at the farm got me through some very hard things as a kid, and gave me something to focus on outside of myself. Time in nature, time with horses and time with other people. We could do with more of that today…and in many ways, it’s what horses are about no matter what you do with them.

In later years, Mickey asked me to give his grandkids some lessons and I started to think that maybe I could share the flame he had lit with other people…never on a million years would I have believed it would become something I did every day for the rest of my life in all sorts of ways…as an Extension professional, a scientist, a horse judge, a university instructor, a blogger, a friend, and who knows what else will come.

Several of Mickey’s grandchildren were also hooked on horses, thanks to time spent with him, although the “horse gene” is a solid part of the Maguire DNA. Interestingly, though, I was always made to feel like part of the family and still do to this day. When his daughter Debbie shared that he was “so proud of me”, I was overcome with emotion and believe it or not, speechless.

I wrote this in part to remember Mickey Maguire and all he meant to me, but also, to remind people that you never know the impact you can have on others. One small act that seems insignificant to you, could become someone else’s life long passion. Letting someone pet your horse on the way back to the barn, showing a kid how to brush a horse, and yes, starting a 4-H club, or volunteering for an association, can all change a life…and give meaning to yours.

Thank you doesn’t seem like enough, Mickey. No matter what I do in horses or otherwise, you’ll always be with me.