As I lay awake in the middle of the night, I got to thinking about the history of people and horses. How through the centuries, they have been there for us and how throughout history so much has been achieved because of them.
Then, on a personal level, how is it that our lives have become intertwined with those magnificent creatures? Why horses? For me, or for you? Why have they been the constant, the anchor that steadies me/us?
For me it started when I was 4 years old and my dad needed to borrow a horse to help drag logs. He took little me with him and made a deal with a local farmer to borrow his big black draft horse. That was the first horse I saw. She was black and her name was Star. Then a short time later he again went to borrow a horse to haul logs, and this time the farmer sent his daughter to catch the horse and bring it in; this time I walked behind as the girl rode the big black horse (probably Percheron) and I remember thinking, " that should be me up there".
So began my lifelong fascination with these amazing creatures. I will never forget the first ride I had, being led on a chestnut Thoroughbred mare, the wonderful horse smell and that first moment when she walked along. Those are the moments that stayed with me through all those years until I eventually owned my first very own horse. (Ironically, a black mare)
It may also explain why I gravitate to black horses.
How is it that there is such a connection between horses and humans? It seems to me that it is part if the Divine Design. We are there for them as much as they are there for us. There is an undeniable current that connects us, if we let it.
When I walk into my little herd, I feel at peace in my soul. Troubles and cares are put on the back burner.
And I think, for me, that is the answer to my "Why horses". They are the single thing, other than nature itself, that gives that peace to my soul. They are something tangible and present, something I can feel, touch, share adventures with, teach, share, and find joy in. And it makes all the ugliness of the world fade away in their presence.
I thank God for the horses.
8 comments:
What a beautiful post, Shirley. That does, indeed, explain your love of black horses. I fell in love with horses early on when I met a few through the fence who let me pet on them. I was lucky to have friends with horses who let me ride them here and there. But it was my first horse, a weanling, that I raised myself who cemented it. I eventually had to make the “rational” decision to sell him due to starting a family and being broke. It was probably WORST decision of my life. It was like I lost the most important part of myself. Such a huge mistake. I feel like the luckiest person alive to be with my horses now. On their worst days, it is still a best day of my life.
amen. for me, its cats. i can call my cats over just with a look. they are highly intelligent, attuned to their person. the joy they give me, and the peace is indescribable. when i'm having a lousy day with my health, one of my five cats is always there waiting for a pet. so i get what you mean. they are all a gift from God the Father.
You are the best horse woman I know always so patient and kind. You had Beamer a once in a lifetime horse how lucky are you! Many of us have searched for our Beamer and instead found the best companionship with a dog..like Chance.
Chance was such a wondeful dog. I always enjoy seeing his photos in your blog header.
Wonderful thoughts shared..
So much going on about the year of the horse and change lots of excitement out there all positive
My earliest horse memory is of my godmother giving me riding lessons on her chestnut horse, Flame. The Bionic Cowgirl has a picture of me sitting on Flame with my godfather when I was just a toddler. But, I blame Walter Farley for my love of the black horses. I guess that's how I ended up with one of each :)
Yes, Walter Farley fueled the fire!
Amen
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