My grandmother and Chief

"The wind of Heaven is that which blows between a horse's ears."

My grandfather working the fields

Horses are the noblest creatures on Earth. Until the 20th century, wherever humankind became civilized and industrialized, it was the human-horse relationship that made it possible. Even today, the automobiles that replaced horses as the main mode of human transport have their performance measured in horsepower.

Growing up in the Colorado Rockies, I knew that my family would not have survived without the horse. Sadly, in recent decades, many horses -- both wild and domesticated -- have fallen to misuse and abuse.

To the right is Windsong, an abused horse that needed a loving home. It deeply pained a Rockies native like myself to see her suffering from malnutrition, lack of hoof care, a worm infestation, physical abuse, and the absence of companionship.

Fortunately, horses are as resiliant as they are noble, and within six months after I adopted her, Windsong once again became the strong, alert, smart, healthy animal she was meant to be, as shown in the photo on the left.

Sadly, Windsong went to the Rainbow Bridge on January 7, 2002.

Be sure to visit the web sites of horse rescue organizations posted on the links page.

THE HORSE'S PRAYER

To Thee Master, I offer my prayer: Feed me, Water and care for me, and when the day's work is done, provide me with shelter, a clean dry bed, and a stall wide enough for me to lie down in comfort.

Always be kind to me. Talk to me, for your voice often means as much to me as the reins. Pet me sometimes, that I may serve you the more gladly and learn to love you. Do not jerk the reins, and do not whip me when going uphill. Never strike, beat or kick me when I do not understand what you want, but give me a chance to understand you. Watch me; and if I fail to do your bidding, see if something is wrong with my harness or feet.

I cannot tell you when I am thirsty so give me clean, cool water often. I cannot tell you in words when I am sick, so watch me, that by signs you may know my condition. Give me all possible shelter from the hot sun, and put a blanket on me, not when I am working, but when standing in the cold.

Never put a frosty bit in my mouth; first warm it by holding it in your hands.

I try to carry you and your burdens without a murmur, and wait patiently for you long hours of the day and night. Without the power to choose my shoes or path, I sometimes fall on the hard pavements which I have often prayed might be of such a nature as to give me a safe and sure footing. Remember that I must be ready at any moment to lose my life in your service.

And finally, O Master, when my useful strength is gone, do not turn me out to starve or freeze, or sell me to some cruel owner to be slowly tortured or starved to death; but do thou Master, take my life in the kindest way. And your God will reward you here and hereafter. You will not consider me irreverent if I ask this in name of Him who was born in a stable.

Amen.

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