Partners for life
“How Horses Help Us Heal” (EQUUS 454) was a breath of fresh air. Tim Hayes really gets why and how horses enrich our lives. They have been waiting patiently for centuries for people to understand them and accept what they have to offer us: companionship, protection and validation.
Horses are amazing animals. Like every parent should, they forgive and provide unconditional love---if you give them the chance, and if you understand their language or intent. Like children, horses are born innocent and wanting to please. It’s how we treat them that determines how they grow up and react to us.
How do I know this? I have such a horse---one who was treated with respect and love from day one. I am her second owner, and I was chosen as fit to continue caring for this wonderfully amazing mare. I don’t expect more than she can give, nor do I have an agenda that she must fulfill. We have been friends for eight years now just for the sake of it, and we simply enjoy each others’ company while out trail riding. The wisdom she imparts fulfills me like nothing else.
In the same issue, one writer (“Friends for Life,” Letters) comments on the True Tale “Paid in Full” (EQUUS 448), about how remaining loyal to our aging athletes, and offering them homes for life, is more important than replacing them for the sake of winning ribbons. I also have a 30-year-old horse who bore a lifetime of burdens before coming to me and my daughter at the ripe old age of 20. He helped my daughter discover the wonders of riding and always took proper care of her. He then taught me to ride, all without incident. Has he earned his retirement with us? You bet he has! He’s now living his old age the way all horses should, but sadly many don’t.
Horses teach us about life---it’s not what’s in it for you, but what you have to give that yields the greatest rewards. Both my mare and gelding have taught me about life: Love unconditionally, give the best of yourself and see the beauty in what you have and receive. Dorine Remillard Auburn, New Hampshire