Gosh you work hard. I know you do because I see you everyday throwing hay, flinging shavings, stretching your pony’s legs in a cold, lonely arena. I see you putting in the time because you know horsemanship isn’t just a smiling Instagram selfie with a ribbon.
Your dedication is in the horse without the perfect pedigree, who instead has a heart for the job.
And that horse has your heart.
For when you’re moving together, hooves gliding under the rise and fall of a working trot, your mind is blank. No thought to wishes for fancy tack, or vet bills, or even of competing.
Because the only thing that matters in that moment is the silent conversation between your hands and heels and the hide of your horse.
Truth is, lean years limit the showing. And the vet bills are always going to make you tremble and sweat. First for the worry of the animal, then for the worry of affording the care. But the passion never leaves, never completely drains away. Sure, the desire may ebb and flow across the years, as attentions change: New loves, different life seasons. But passions don’t cease to exist. They merely go dormant. Sleeping like wintering bears, waiting for the return of their spring. Then, when the light changes, life dawns new and different, the slumbering and quiet longing will rise and stretch and surge once more.
Cheers to you passionate equestrians and Happy New Year.
May your passion rise and stretch and surge forever more.
4 responses to “In Honor Of The Passionate Equestrian”
Poetic
Thank you!
Perfect timing for me, been almost a lifelong horse addict and in the last several months I have taken a few steps back to see if indeed Horses are in my lifeblood genetics. The answer is yes….but it is a soft yes at the moment. Work obligations have me questioning my horse DNA, I am usually to tired, to sore, to stressed, to poor, to emotionally drained to enjoy my bond with my ponies lately. My mare is due to foal (hers and my first) soon……the other day we were waddling around the ranch just enjoying the brisk winter and were spectator to the most awe inspiring sunset. Harlie and I just literally stopped and took in the moment. Our moment, the moment that reminded me that I will always be a “horse girl” and to treasure the stolen perfect moment where I feel nothing and everything all at once.
This is so beautiful and I am so glad you shared. Your moment is exactly the kind of magic they bring to our lives. That pause and gratitude for a moment of peace and connection to the outside, the animal, all the beauty. I have had similar feelings of apathy toward my riding and horse ownership. But then particularly in the times of great stress or sadness, I’m thankful that I have to be drawn into the barn. It helps get me off the couch, which is where’d I’d probably be if I didn’t have the responsibility. Best of luck with your new foul coming soon…I bet that will refresh some of the passion. And come share a photo when its delivered 🙂