[Billie]

Thank you ALL for coming and making this a fun thread with your stories and pictures.

Nite, all! I leave you with two last "cowboy" thingies.

Amazingly fast, incredibly strong, tirelessly proud, fantastically gentle, he is a huge dark beast that touches the hearts of all who meet him.

He has known joy and violence. Felt the warmth of children and the cruelty of abuse. He has nearly died saving lives and nearly been killed by a drunken act. He has known the finery of grand estates and the filth of stinking slums. He has survived fire and flood, starvation and torment.

And nothing could break his spirit - or his great love. This is his life. He is called the horse. ~ Anna Sewell ~

Give me food and drink and care for me. And when the day's work is done, shelter me. Give me a clean bed and leave me not too small a place in the stable. Talk to me, for your voice often takes the place of reins; be good to me and I shall serve you more gladly and love you. Don't tear at the reins. Don't reach for your crop when we come to a hill. Don't beat me or hit me if I misunderstand. Don't think me disobedient if I fail your will; perhaps there is something wrong with my harness or my hooves. A bad tooth - you know how that hurts. Don't tether me too tight and don't crop my tail - it's my only weapon against mosquitoes and flies.

Let me ask this of you in the name of Him who was born in the stable. And when the time comes, Dear Master, when I am no longer of use to you, don't let me starve, or freeze, nor sell me. Don't give me to a stranger who works me slowly to death and feeds me not; but be kind and prepare me for a quick and merciful end. God will reward you for it, now, and through eternity. And I shall come to you, always...... running.

~ unknown ~

[luvie]

From one Texan to another...nighty-night. Sleep tight! See y'all in the morning light!

[The Spirit Of Allegiance]

perhaps there is something wrong with my harness or my hooves

Billie, I hope you feel better. I'm not a Texan and so I don't know much, so please tell me you just have TWO hooves....or that your horse posted this!



(snicker) / teasing OFF


But REALLY, that is a beautiful tribute to one of God's most impressive creatures and a very cool thread....thanks!

In other FReeper parts, I'm known as Chivalrous Sir Blur so maybe I'll have to come by more often.

[.30Carbine]

Lovely words. Thank you so much for the ping!

[lysie]

Excellent thread.

[PreviouslyA-Lurker]

Awwww, makes me wish I could ride, but the horses are smarter than me so it ain't gonna happen.