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", 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 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 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 horse", smile. You are one of the blessed few that understand. -Author Unknown
These are not my originally written words, but they are words that beautifully and clearly sum up the core of my thoughts regarding my relationship to the equine world.