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prayers for today

January 7, 2026

caravan sonnet- rebecca vandemark
Good morning and happy wednesday friends! I hope that your first full week of January is going well! 

I know that many times social media can bring lots of criticism, but I have always been incredibly grateful for this amazing community. Over the years you have faithfully supported, prayed for and loved me (and my loved ones) deeply. Today I would like to once again ask for prayer, as we have some important appointments in New York City this morning. Please pray specifically for peace and for wisdom that will address the issue completely, and for total healing.

Words at times like this fail me, but your love & prayers are truly a blessing beyond any feeble words. Thank you dear friends. You are a blessing.

"Tell those who are terrified, be brave and don't be afraid. Your God will come...He will come and rescue you..." 
-Isaiah 35:4-
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it started as a walk

January 5, 2026

caravan sonnet- rebecca vandemark
What started as a walk in August at a beautiful 12th century French abbey turned into a sweet dream to create a beautiful monthly snail mail club. After 6 months of working on a million details behind the scenes I am so excited to introduce The Map Letter Club. Sharing a reel where I explain a bit more- Please head on over to watch, comment, and like the reel HERE!

Come join the community- comment “MAP” for a direct link, or find it HERE.

“Email is good but parcel and post are better.” 
/ Caravan Sonnet Parcel Post /

Caravan Sonnet | The Map Letter Club | Snail Mail Post
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soft seasons of caring for our horses

Caring for horses is not something that stays the same all year. As the seasons shift, so do a horse’s needs, comfort levels, and daily routines. Temperature, daylight, pasture quality, and even insects all play a role in how horses feel and behave. Paying attention to these changes helps owners provide care that feels natural, gentle, and supportive rather than rushed or reactive.

Seasonal care is also about prevention and preparation, not just responding when something goes wrong. As routines change with the weather, it becomes easier to think about long-term health planning, including nutrition, movement, and parasite management. Following a reliable deworming protocol as part of a broader seasonal care plan helps support overall wellness without adding unnecessary stress to the horse or owner.caravan sonnet- rebecca vandemark
Image by Pezibear on Pixabay

Listening to the Rhythm of the Year
Before diving into each season, it helps to understand how horses experience time and change. Horses are highly sensitive to their environment, often reacting to subtle shifts in weather, daylight, and routine. Recognizing these patterns allows owners to adjust care thoughtfully instead of sticking to a fixed schedule year-round.
Seasonal awareness also builds trust. When care changes in step with the seasons, horses tend to stay calmer, healthier, and more comfortable throughout the year.

Spring: Gentle Renewal and Fresh Starts
Spring marks a time of transition, when horses move from winter rest into increased activity. This season calls for patience and gradual adjustments as bodies and routines wake up again.

Supporting the Body After Winter
●      Gradual return to exercise: Horses coming out of winter benefit from slow increases in workload to prevent muscle strain. Light rides, hand walking, and turnout help rebuild strength without stress.
●      Managing shedding: Spring shedding can be intense and itchy. Regular grooming improves comfort and allows owners to spot skin issues early.

Pasture Changes and Digestive Care
●      Slow pasture introduction: Fresh spring grass is rich and can upset digestion if introduced too quickly. Short grazing periods at first help the gut adjust safely.
●      Monitoring weight changes: Some horses gain weight rapidly in spring. Keeping an eye on body condition helps prevent metabolic issues.

Preventive Health Check-ins
●      Seasonal vet visits: Spring is a good time for wellness exams and vaccinations. These visits help catch small issues before they become bigger problems.
●      Dental and hoof care: Teeth and hooves often need attention after winter. Addressing them early supports better eating and movement.

Summer: Comfort, Hydration, and Balance
Summer brings longer days and more activity, but also heat and insects. During this season, comfort and hydration become top priorities for horse owners.

Managing Heat and Sun Exposure
●      Providing shade and airflow: Horses need access to shade during hot days. Proper ventilation in barns helps reduce heat buildup.
●      Watching for heat stress: Signs like heavy sweating, lethargy, or rapid breathing should be taken seriously. Early action can prevent serious issues.

Hydration and Electrolytes
●      Encouraging water intake: Clean, cool water should always be available. Some horses drink more when salt is added to their diet.
●      Using electrolytes wisely: Electrolytes can help replace minerals lost through sweat. They should be used thoughtfully, especially during heavy work.

Hoof and Skin Care in Dry Conditions
●      Preventing dry hooves: Hard, dry ground can cause cracking. Regular trimming and proper moisture balance help maintain hoof health.
●      Managing insects and skin irritation: Flies and mosquitoes can cause stress and sores. Fly masks, sprays, and clean environments make a big difference.

Autumn: Preparing for Change
Autumn is a season of preparation, as horses adjust to cooler temperatures and changing forage. It is an ideal time to set the stage for a healthy winter.

Adjusting Nutrition as Grass Declines
●      Transitioning to more hay: As pasture quality drops, hay becomes a primary food source. Gradual changes help maintain digestive stability.
●      Evaluating body condition: Fall is a good time to assess weight and muscle. Adjustments now can prevent winter weight loss.

Conditioning Before Cold Weather
●      Building fitness safely: Cooler weather makes exercise more comfortable. This is a great time to improve strength and stamina.
●      Preparing for coat growth: As coats thicken, grooming remains important. Clean coats insulate better and reduce skin problems.

Mental Well-being During Routine Shifts
●      Maintaining consistent schedules: Horses thrive on routine, even as days grow shorter. Keeping feeding and turnout times steady reduces stress.
●      Providing enrichment: Simple changes, like varied turnout or gentle groundwork, keep horses mentally engaged.

Winter: Quiet Care and Consistency
Winter care focuses on warmth, nourishment, and observation. While activity may slow, attention to detail becomes even more important during colder months.

Keeping Horses Comfortable in Cold Weather
●      Providing shelter: Protection from wind and rain is essential. Even hardy horses benefit from a dry place to rest.
●      Using blankets appropriately: Not all horses need blankets, but some do. Proper fit and regular checks prevent discomfort.

Feeding for Warmth and Energy
●      Increasing forage intake: Hay digestion generates warmth. Offering enough forage helps horses maintain body temperature naturally.
●      Monitoring water access: Water can freeze quickly in winter. Ensuring constant access encourages proper hydration.

Movement, Monitoring, and Bonding
●      Encouraging daily movement: Turnout and light exercise support circulation and joint health. Even small movements matter.
●      Observing closely: Winter coats can hide weight loss or injury. Regular hands-on checks help catch issues early.caravan sonnet- rebecca vandemark
Image by PublicCo on Pixabay

The Heart of Seasonal Horse Care
Caring for horses through the seasons is not about perfection or rigid rules. It is about paying attention, making small adjustments, and responding with patience and understanding. When owners stay flexible and observant, horses feel safer and more supported, no matter the weather.

Seasonal care also deepens the bond between horse and human. Each thoughtful change, from adjusting feed to offering extra comfort, builds trust over time. By moving gently with the seasons, horse owners create a rhythm of care that supports health, happiness, and a lasting partnership.

At its core, seasonal care is an ongoing conversation between you and your horse. Subtle signs—changes in appetite, energy, or attitude—often say more than schedules or charts. When you respond calmly and consistently, your horse learns that their needs will be met. Over time, this steady approach creates confidence, reduces stress, and allows both horse and owner to move through the year with greater ease and connection.





*contributed post* 
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caravan sonnet parcel post - an introduction

January 4, 2026


caravan sonnet- rebecca vandemark - map letter club
Dear friends, welcome to Caravan Sonnet Parcel Post!!

A love letter to slow mail, quiet beauty, and beginning again.
caravan sonnet- rebecca vandemark- map letter club
In a world that moves far too quickly, Caravan Sonnet Parcel Post was created as an invitation to slow down.

It is for those who still love the feel of paper in their hands.

For those who are joyful at the finding of a personalized parcel on the doorstep.

For those who revel in the quiet anticipation of opening something thoughtfully made—just for them.

This is not fast mail.
This is intentional correspondence.
This is beauty that arrives slowly… and stays forever.
caravan sonnet- rebecca vandemark- map letter club
What We Send
Each Caravan Sonnet Parcel Post delivery is a small act of restoration.

Depending on the subscription service you choose, you may find within your parcel:

*  5×7 hand-drawn, whimsical illustrated map from a meaningful place
* 4×6 fine-art photograph from Rebecca’s personal collection
* Thoughtful snail mail and seasonal surprises
* Hand-assembled junk journals and paper keepsakes
* Storytelling meant to be read, not rushed to encourage and inspire you
* Pieces designed to be held, framed, written in, and returned to again and again

Every parcel is created with care, layered meaning, and a deep respect for the handmade.

Nothing is mass-produced.
Nothing is hurried.
Every detail is chosen with intention.
caravan sonnet- rebecca vandemark- map letter club
Why Parcel Post
“Parcel Post” is more than a name—it is a philosophy.

It honors a time when mail was personal. When receiving something meant someone had thought of you, spent time writing to you and packed it carefully, and sent it on its way with purpose.

Caravan Sonnet Parcel Post is the modern heir to that tradition:
rooted in nostalgia, guided by craftsmanship, and designed for a life that values beauty, story, and presence.
caravan sonnet- rebecca vandemark- map letter club
Who This Is For
Caravan Sonnet Parcel Post is for those looking to build a slower, more meaningtul life. 

It's for those starting again and for those wanting to simply bring beauty to their everyday surroundings. 

For those who believe that everything around them can be beautiful. 

You do not need to

You do not need to be "creative"- you only need to be willing to receive. 
caravan sonnet- rebecca vandemark- map letter club
Our Promise
When you subscribe to Caravan Sonnet Parcel Post, you are not just signing up for mail.

You are joining a rhythm.
A pause in the month.
A small, dependable moment of care.

We promise:
* Thoughtful design over trends
* Quality over quantity
* Story over spectacle
* Connection over consumption

This is mail meant to be kept—not clicked past.
caravan sonnet- rebecca vandemark- map letter club
Come Sit With Us
Each parcel is an invitation: to write, to remember, to begin again.

Welcome to Caravan Sonnet Parcel Post— where the mailbox becomes a place of belonging.

You can explore the current subscriptions and offerings at Caravan Sonnet Parcel Post—we look forward to welcoming you into the community!

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Meet Rebecca

Meet Rebecca
author for the hopeful and adventurous heart // cozy-luxury haven living peacefully beckoning, prompted by love and full of beauty in the everyday

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prayers for today
Good morning and happy wednesday friends! I hope that your first full week of January is going well!  I know that many times social media ca...
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