Do you believe in the idea of a heart horse?
You know, the once-in-a-lifetime horse that cannot be compared to others. The horse that stole your heart even though you have had or will have many others. The horse whose memory you just can’t shake. For me, that was Odie.
Will all my future horses be compared to Odie? I hope not. Every horse should be given a chance to be themselves and be appreciated for their own uniqueness.
So what is it that makes a heart horse so different?
It’s not just their unique personalities that set them apart. It’s also the fact that they accompany us through the happiest moments of our lives and stand by us through the worst. These associations can never be replicated.
Here are 8 traits a good heart horse should have:
1. Once-in-a-lifetime match
Even though they drive you crazy sometimes, you know your life would not be the same without them.
2. They are priceless
You know the saying “everything is for sale”? Blasphemy! You’d live in a cardboard box before consider giving up your heart horse!
3. They make you feel whole again
They greet you like a returning war hero, even if you’ve only been out of the barn for five minutes. Who knows how they do it, but they pretty much ease the pressures of life.
4. We can’t stop thinking about them
Blowing off social outings for your heart horse doesn’t make you boring, it means you know what’s more important.
5. Capable of things only when you’re the one that asked it of them
Jump that 3’ oxer? Sure! Gallop past cows? Easy! Jump off a bridge? Only if you will!
6. Teach us more than any other horse
Their companionship, loyalty and unconditional love is unmatched.
7. They’re impossible to find
They find us instead.
8. There isn’t anything you wouldn’t do for their sake
You don’t see them as just a horse, they’re your family!
Have you ever had a heart horse?
Susan Friedland-Smith (Saddle Seeks Horse)
November 10, 2017 at 12:03 amYes, I agree–a heart horse will find you instead of the other way around.
Elizabeth
November 10, 2017 at 3:34 pmMy heart-horse and I have been together 11 years now. He is 20 years old with cushings, a missing sesamoid, and currently is pretty lame and on a walk only program. He’s an ornery beast that pins his ears and tries to bite everybody except me. For me he’s a puppy. My 2year old daughter can ride him, and I trust him implicitly. I would sell our house and move my family into the tack room before I would stop giving him the best care I possibly can. If he chooses to be a retired lawn ornament for another 15 years then so be it. There will never be another like him for me.