Smile with Your Whole Body BY LONI LANGDON

Smile with Your Whole Body by Loni Langdon

Fanny Mae mule struggled a lot in 2019. She was unhappy and unsound. Given a diagnosis of Equine Cushing’s felt like being told her best days were over. Riding was out of the question. Bodywork to help her release tension was something she would tolerate but she really didn’t respond to the positive benefits it offers.

As I reflected on that time and what I would do differently in the future, I realized I was looking at Fanny through dark lenses. I only saw what I perceived was wrong “with her.” Our interactions with one another focused on trying to resolve “her issues.” My heart was sad and mourning for what we once had together, our connection lost along the way.

At some point I posted a video on what it meant to me to be a mulewoman. I initially chose Fanny Mae to accompany me but it ended up being a disaster! She pushed on me and walked away several times. As I was trying to focus on what to say, which was talking about being present, I was anything but in those moments with her.

I ended up doing the video with another mule and it was OK. I posted it because I desire to become bolder and braver with sharing what’s in my heart. Someone I trust gave me some kind feedback. She said, “Loni, your video was good but you should smile more.” Thank you Martha Becker, smiles back to you, my friend.

I’ve thought about that video a lot. I’ve asked myself, “Loni, why do you have mules in your life and what is the joy they bring you?”

Another amazing horsewoman by the name of Ellen Bartlett would always remind me to “smile with my whole body” during lessons. Her explanation was that our equines understand that feeling in us when we smile with our whole body. A real smile feels good.

Maybe you know that feeling when you think of something and your mule responding as if by telepathy? It’s effortless and comfortable, often surprising. It is a feeling that permeates your entire being. It’s something you seek again and again.

On New Year’s Day, I hosted a party and invited a herd of women to celebrate our friendships. The common thread that connected us was equines. We had an amazing time! I was reminded how much joy horses, mules and donkeys bring people. It’s

Fanny Mae and Loni smiling with their whole bodies photo by Spurred B Designs not necessarily about riding or doing things with them. Often it just takes talking or thinking about them to evoke emotion in us.

I’m a thinker. I think about the changes in our world since March 2020. I ask myself how I want to show up when I’m with my mules, in my equine bodywork business, with my family and friends. All those beautiful relationships bring joy. I’ve decided to try to focus on the love I have for each. I hope to genuinely smile with my whole body. I hope that others will smile with their whole bodies, too.

Recently, I walked out in the pasture. No phone. No agenda. As I sat admiring Fanny, I was reminded that I’m just so happy being near her. Gratitude filled me as I realized the folks, the experiences, the equines I surround myself with create a web of richness and joy that is undeniable. I am truly appreciative.

Back in the pasture, when Fanny Mae walks near, grazes and lingers for a few minutes, I see her beauty, her grace. When she comes closer and stands with me like we are herd mates, all I can do is smile with my whole body.

Loni Langdon has worked as a guide and packer in the Eastern Sierra and shown her mules successfully in dressage, trail and Western Pleasure. She is a Certified Practitioner & Instructor of the Masterson Method® of Integrated Equine Performance Bodywork. You can find her giving clinics that help people unwind with their equines. Loni lives in Central California, near Kings Canyon National Park, with her husband Zack Montgomery and a fur family that includes six mules. Here’s how to get in touch with her loni@allequinesbodywork.com or on Facebook at: Loni Langdon or her business page All Equines Bodywork. She has a Facebook Group called “Mules of the Masterson Method” that you can join to learn more about keeping your mule comfortable and moving with a swing in their stride.

The 115th National Western Stock Show Postponed Until January 2022

DENVER, CO – The Western Stock Show Association (WSSA) Board of Directors together with the National Western Stock Show (NWSS) management, has made the difficult decision to postpone the 115th National Western Stock Show by one year and to resume the event in January 2022.

The COVID-19 pandemic does not allow for the Stock Show to host the annual event and comply with the health and safety guidelines that are necessary to protect Coloradans and help stop the spread. More importantly, the projected environment through to the end of the year is too uncertain and therefore not reassuring enough to allow a traditional Stock Show to take place without potentially compromising the health and safety of exhibitors, visitors, and the public at large.

“The decision to postpone the 2021 Stock Show is incredibly difficult for our Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, business partners and the City and County of Denver,” stated Doug Jones, Chairman of the WSSA, “but the iconic western events and traditions we all know and love will be back in 2022, stronger than ever,” added Jones.

Stock Show management made the early decision due to the intense planning and expenses that go into the NWSS. “We needed to make sure we announced early enough so all the livestock producers, contestants, competitors, and exhibitors do not incur time and cost they can’t recover,” stated Andrews, “and as an indoor event in the heart of winter, we had to consider the virus could be spread more easily indoors, potentially compromising the safety and health of thousands of people. The responsible decision was to postpone the show.” Every January, the NWSS hosts the super bowl of livestock shows along with professional rodeo competition and horse shows that are celebrated globally. The trade show is the largest western trade show in Colorado with nearly 900 booth spaces throughout the 90-acre grounds. The Stock Show draws over 700,000 attendees during the 16 days in January with record days seeing over 65,000 guests on site. The NWSS drives an economic impact of nearly 120 million dollars in January alone. The show supports 4-H and FFA partnerships that span more than a century and supports over 100 students annually studying in the fields of agriculture and rural medicine at dozens of colleges throughout Colorado and Wyoming. All of this as a nonprofit 501(c)(3).

“We would like to thank our loyal stock show fans that are standing by us through this unprecedented time in history,” said Andrews. “We look forward to celebrating the return of Stock Show in 2022 with the grand opening of the historic Yards and Stockyards Event Center. Mark your calendars for January 8th through the 23rd, 2022,” said Andrews. 25 • October 2020

VonHolten Ranch, Mora, Mo., will host a Halloween Boo Bash, featuring fun for the entire family including food, drink, trick-or-treating, costume contest, a horse/ muleback scavenger hunt, and a live concert by Dexter Roberts, third place winner on The Voice.

The event will take place on Saturday, October 31. For more information, visit vonholtenranch.com.

Blake Shelton and Dexter Roberts

Perry Mule and Donkey Suspenders Won’t come off until you take them off, easy to attach and even easier to remove, and won’t damage your pants or belts. $22

Back in stock! Burlap and black

Online: mulesandmore.com By phone: (573)263-2669 By mail: Mules and More, PO Box 460, Bland, MO 65014