The Horse

Horses have changed human lives for eons. They have enabled mobility, allowing travel from one place to another. They have been willing beasts of burden. They have been immortalized in mythology and been the stuff of legends. They helped mankind go to war and served as companions in peace.


Only in modern times have they come to represent a luxury. That is probably good news for the horse. Now they have new jobs. They are used in therapy for children and adults with physical, mental and emotional issues. They are teachers and healers.

They still do their original job as well: they carry us around on their backs and take us places. That's pretty amazing, when you realize that to them something on their back usually not only wants to kill them, but to eat them, too!

We humans are predators. Horses are prey animals. That means their every instinct is to survive from predators like us. Their brain may be the size of a walnut, but I believe they use a heck of a lot more of that brain than we do of our bigger ones. And interestingly enough, while their brains may be small, their hearts are huge. I think they use those hearts to a greater capacity than we humans use ours, as well.

How does a horse use its heart? Physically, the extreme example is a race horse, using every ounce of heart to win that race...or to do its very best. Mentally, it may just mean survival and self-preservation, but horses take care of their riders all the time. Especially when said rider is on the ground! They'll do their best not to step on you...all the while giving you a look like "What the heck are you doing down there?" Emotionally, they have feelings, just as we do. And they will tell you all about them, if you know how to listen. Spiritually -- the heart of a horse elevates, enlightens and empowers all those who are fortunate enough to interact with them.

My story is about how my life changed when I brought horses into it. After a life-long love affair with them from afar, the powerful effect of finally being around horses -- close up -- is overwhelming to me. It is magic. It is healing. It is elevating. It is...the Horse.

I call it Horse Therapy. The bumper sticker on my car says Horses are my therapy. Certainly one special horse is for me. When this little mare picked me to be her owner, well, the magic began. I had no idea what a bumpy ride magic can be.