In my life, horses were answers to my prayers. Dreaming of owning my own horse carried me through my teen-age years, and horse competition provided me an opportunity for a university education. My association with horses that have come in and out of my life, whether owned or not, elevated me to national recognition and have been the foundation for my recreation and occupation.
I am a Cowgirl and proud to be. Therefore when I received an Email from Valerie Marvel with the poem below. The dialog is for each of us who have had the blessings and luxury of understanding how horses have enhanced our lives and met our needs, how they support us emotionally and spiritually, how they provide opportunities to grow and learn.
Thank you to my Gold and Silver sponsors who focus on horses as their ultimate consumer!
The poem below is dedicated to the horses we own, the horses we have known, regardless of breed or discipline, and to our visitors, horse owners or not, who truly love and admire horses. You may also see many videos of this poem on YouTube – just do a search for "Just A Horse." Enjoy!
– Just A Horse by an unknown author –
From time to time, people tell me, 'lighten up, it's just a horse,' or, 'that's a lot of money for just a horse'. They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for 'just a horse.'
Some of my proudest moments have come about with 'just a horse.' Many hours have passed and my only company was 'just a horse,' but I did not once feel slighted.
Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by 'just a horse,' and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of 'just a horse' gave me comfort and reason to overcome the dark.
Those who think it's 'just a horse,' probably also use phrases like 'just a friend,' 'just a sunrise,' or 'just a promise.' 'Just a horse' brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. 'Just a horse' brings out the compassion and patience that makes me a better person.
Because of 'just a horse' I rise early, take long walks, and look longingly to the future. So for me and folks like me, it's not 'just a horse' but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.
'Just a horse' brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.
I hope that someday others have the opportunity to understand that it's not 'just a horse' but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being 'just a woman.'
So the next time you hear the phrase 'just a horse,' smile. You are one of the blessed few who understands.
Sharon