The question begs… Why are some of us so drawn to horses…really?
I believe horses don’t just happen in our lives, along with being stamped in our DNA for some of us lucky ones, they are placed here as substitute teachers for those of us who, for a variety of reasons, are drawn to horses rather than humans for companionship, relationship, and solace. The draw is in fact so strong, that many of us will resort to a number of creative strategies just to be around these lovely creatures to smell, feel and listen to them breathe. Many of our family members think we are on the tip side of nuts (like mine), but they put up with the ever-tiring stories of our horse adventures, and dare I say misadventures. But we don’t mention those for fear they will look askance once again as if to say…”Are you crazy?” after the twentieth “it wasn’t the horse’s fault” or “I fell down the stairs” injury.
Unfortunately, I have learned, at times painfully, that horses don’t see things quite the same way we do.
- Their reality is based in the moment, the here and now. You know that place we are unfamiliar with in a society that values “busier is better.” Our minds race to and fro thinking into the future and dwelling in the past…oops I digress…
- Their daily experience is based on survival (some to a greater extent than others). My personal morning survival skill is obtaining the correct amount of shots of espresso for my Americano.
- Given the option, surprisingly, like most humans placed in a situation where no one speaks or comprehends our language or understands our cultural peculiarities, they prefer to hang with their own kind for the same reasons we seek them.
For me, horses are the quintessential (the pure and concentrated essence) of life. Over the years, they have mirrored and brought my most vile character defects to the surface. They gave me gracious opportunities to examine these defects under a microscope, and address them swiftly or be taught yet another painful lesson. I was soooo “stubborn” at times, I thought about investing in 3 major over-the-counter drug manufacturers. (Thank God for Advil!).
Horses have always been easier for me to talk to, (being the ever quiet nonverbal types), they forgive heartfelt mistakes with ease and suffer the unrepentant eventually, and do it while stuck in their cubicles or pastures forced to endure my needs and wants many times at the risk of life and limb. (More on that another time).
So once again… please share. Why are you so drawn to horses – really?