The Secret Power of Horses

I am an avid reader and student of life. My library is full of books and reading material of every kind, dog-eared, paperclipped, book marked, pages rumpled, torn out, folded over, in other words "used". My favorites are books that keep me on a somewhat enlightened path, by authors that speak to my heart but I can find a lesson on the back of a cereal box.

I have also found that in everything I read and learn, my horses play such an important role. I am reminded of each area of my life.

Physical. OK, I'm up in the morning and greeted by 40 horses. Hauling hay, feed, opening and closing gates, fighting water with the water hose that always crimps, cleaning stalls and the hundred other jobs that go along with their upkeep. Well, I stay in pretty good shape.

Emotional. Love, patience, wonder and every healthy feeling I have is strengthened and enpowered in my work with my horses.

Finances. I don't belong to a gym or have to spend money on spandex. Finances are always easy. Horses and dogs eat, then we eat.

Spiritually the time I spend with my horses is some of my most productive time. I can meditate, gather my thoughts and w ork on patience all at the same time.

Mentally I have to be clear and sharp. You must be focused and have a plan when you are around horses. So many of my better traits I have learned from my animals. The experience with horses gives me a sense of power and at the same time makes me feel such a tiny part of the circle of life. Oh, and spending time on the back of my horse, I have an opinion on just about everything. I find it hard to be sad or mad and stay that way around my horses.

Horses have given over so much of their power to man. Humans have taken over so much of their freedom and natural way of life. Yet, they allow us to ride them, put them in trailers and do so many things in total opposition to their nature. Horses have been a gift in my life. I cannot imagine what my life would be without them.