[ottbmare]

Horses keep me slender, tough, and in shape with the ceaseless labor they demand. They give me a thrilling freedom when we gallop and jump, with all the risk involved. They give me artistic satisfaction and a sort of Zen-like peace when together we create a private beauty in the graceful movements of dressage. They give me the contentment of maternal love when I care for them, and fascinated delight when our differing minds enjoy nature together. They force me to be gentle and patient, controlled and self-sacrificing, brave and strong. I rejoice in their magnificence. Dogs love humans easily, but when a horse loves, it’s a rare gift. They are my benison, and I thank God each day for the time with them.

[Nepeta]

Horses keep me slender, tough, and in shape with the ceaseless labor they demand. They give me a thrilling freedom when we gallop and jump, with all the risk involved. They give me artistic satisfaction and a sort of Zen-like peace when together we create a private beauty in the graceful movements of dressage. They give me the contentment of maternal love when I care for them, and fascinated delight when our differing minds enjoy nature together. They force me to be gentle and patient, controlled and self-sacrificing, brave and strong. I rejoice in their magnificence. Dogs love humans easily, but when a horse loves, it’s a rare gift. They are my benison, and I thank God each day for the time with them.

My horses matured me into a far better adult than I would have been without them. Earning their trust, and realizing how deeply they trusted me, was one of the most moving experiences of my life, since they are skittish prey animals.