I saw this in Performance Horse the other day and it really struck a chord with me, so I wanted to share it, if you didn’t see it yourself.
Just a Horse
Author Unknown
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 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 day.
If you, too, think it’s “just a horse,” then you will probably understand 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 will ride early, take long walks and look longingly to the future. So for me and 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 the worries of the day.
I hope that someday they can understand that it’s not “just a horse,” but a thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being “just a woman.”
So, the next time you hear the phrase, “just a horse,” just smile, because they just don’t understand.
I’ve seen this before too, and I thought it worthy! It’s something we can understand isn’t it. My horse cadre’ of friends appreciated it too. Thanks for sharing it with the rest of the world.
I tore that page out of Performance Horse and filed it away. It came in handy last week to give to a nurse who was especially helpful during my recent hospitalization. We talked about good horses, not cancer. Her favorite horse was just diagnosed with Cushing’s disease and I hope this piece lifts her spirits like she lifted mine. Thanks Les.