Posted on 12/05/2012 9:01:14 PM PST by shove_it
In October 2004, Betsy Beard's life changed forever when her only son, Spc. Bradley Beard, was killed in action in Iraq. Stricken with grief, Beard began what she called "hemorrhaging on paper," in which she poured out her heartache through journaling. "At the time, I just didn't see how I was going to live through that," said Beard. Beard turned to the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors [TAPS] to find help in dealing with the loss of Bradley. Little did she know her involvement with TAPS, journaling and a special 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Caisson horse, known as Klinger, would spark a very meaningful relationship. "Years ago the children and mentors of the TAPS Good Grief Camp began the tradition of visiting the Caisson stables at Fort Myer," said Beard, who now serves as the editor for the TAPS magazine. "They fell in love with Klinger, one of the largest and gentlest Caisson horses stationed there." ...
(Excerpt) Read more at army.mil ...
FReeper canteen ping
There is something magical about horses. The sight and smell and especially the touch of a horse is enormously healing. They do tremendous work in helping to heal wounded veterans, help retarded or autistic children, and even rehabilitate prisoners.
I hear what you’re saying but they scare the crap out of me; I wonder how they help people as they don’t wag their tails and they are large and can and do kick and bite and all kinds of nasty stuff.
When they nibble grain out of your hand, it kinda tickles.
For years I had a Thoroughbred mare who was the gentlest, most affectionate horse - and that's not typical of T'breds, who tend to be high-strung and jumpy. When we retired her from hunting and jumping, she went to the Special Olympics and had a ball with the little kids.
They show affection by nuzzling and leaning their head against you. My mare would come up behind me and drape her head over my shoulder. Somewhere there's a pic of her with her head in my lap.
She never even offered to kick or bite. Ever - not while being shod, not while getting her shots or being treated by the vet. . Just a big sweetie.
Many horses have shown real empathy for the sick,disabled,or grieving.There are good and bad horses just like there are good and bad dogs-but the right horse can be a lot of fun to be around. If you’re ever in northern Ohio ,I can show you 5 of the right kind of horse.
Horses are good for the soul, period! I’ve had horses all of my life and have found them to be the best inspiration and healing force for all that “ails” you. I have an OTTB gelding who is the smartest (and naughtiest) horse I have ever known.
Magic indeed
No, but they show affection in other ways. One of the charms of dealing with horses is that they are not predators, so they are inherently gentle and it requires delicacy, restraint, and self-control to communicate with them. I'm a dog person too (and a cat person), but you have to admit that a dog will love pretty much anyone who feeds and pets him. Horses are far more discerning, and you must engage in a sort of dance with them, exchanging nonaggressive looks and touches, silently asking and answering, trying to understand each other. It's partly this silent exercise that's good for the souls of impaired or grieving people:
"A human. Sometimes they hurt. What are you doing, human? Will you hurt? Will you be gentle? Will you feed me? Are you going to make me work?"
"I am gentle. See, I don't look you in the eye as a predator does. I don't chase you. I don't slap you, imagining that you'll like that. I ask you, then I touch you gently."
... and they are large and can and do kick and bite and all kinds of nasty stuff.
The vast majority of horses kick and bite only when threatened or startled, just like dogs. One treats them with respect, knowing that this is possible, though unlikely. Horses are rarely nasty unless abused or badly spoiled--again, like dogs. They appreciate clear boundaries and fair discipline, like children.
The reward is the great joy of freedom. You can ride a horse to places you can never go on a motorcycle or ATV. You will have the joy of going thirty miles an hour, of flying through the air with a partner who is having fun as you are. When you've won the devotion of a horse who has decided you are his person, he will not be easily diverted to someone else who feeds him and will remember you forever. You will find he is intelligent and sensitive, that he tries to please you and will offer you his talents. You will be stronger and braver, and you will discover that there is a true spiritual aspect to riding, as to meditation or martial arts. You will be better, and if you are fair, you will be grateful.
Horses and dogs are inextricably linked to humanity. They have been there to help us fight our wars, explore uncharted territory, pull our plows, herd our sheep, protect our homes, and comfort us when we are alone.
Our relationships with dogs and horses serve as a keyhole and touchstone through which we can view and appreciate the rest of God's creation which we might otherwise take for granted.
Horses and dogs are inextricably linked to humanity. They have been there to help us fight our wars, explore uncharted territory, pull our plows, herd our sheep, protect our homes, and comfort us when we are alone.
Our relationships with dogs and horses serve as a keyhole and touchstone through which we can view and appreciate the rest of God's creation which we might otherwise take for granted.
Look at the neck on him. He looks warmbloodish.
Folks “sense” trust and understanding from horses. The horses convey that message. They are very social animals.
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