An Open Letter to The Horse
Dear Horse,
So often we overlook the “simple” things you do, like the way that you accept this (often) unnatural life that we humans ask you to live. It’s beautiful, really, how you just gracefully adapt, taking things as they come, staying present in the flow of life. You have this innate ability to be the calm in the storm, often grounding us when we’re in your presence. You make us feel like children again. A simple breath in our face from your soft nose can reassure us that everything is going to be okay.
Yet, despite having all of that magic within you, we push. We ask for more. We are deeply troubled when you do not abide by our requests, so we push harder. Eventually, you acquiesce, because you know it’s just our ego talking. You know it’s just our silly human brains that are causing us to act the way we are. And so you gracefully adapt once again, gently teaching us as we go.
Thank you for your patience.
Thank you for your love.
Thank you for standing firm when you need to, insisting we learn the lesson in front of us.
Thank you for your grace, for “letting us” get away with something in the moment.
Thank you for accepting all the things we throw your way…from training demands to misplaced frustration after a day at work.
Thank you for the wisdom you share, even when we don’t hear it.
Things are changing. I can see it. The equestrian community around the world is beginning to shift. People are being softer. They are being more patient. They are trying to compromise now, finding a middle ground between their desires and your instincts. Your patience and your love are starting to be rewarded.
We are starting to listen. We are starting to adapt. We are working on staying present in the flow of life. We, too, can be the calm in the storm. We, too, can reassure you that everything will be okay.
I will continue to advocate for your voice. I will continue to show others how much we can do with a true connection and a quiet request. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for allowing me to do what I do; for always calling me out when I stray from my path; for teaching me more about myself than I can ever teach you. I will forever be grateful.
Thank you for being strong.
Thank you for being resilient.
Thank you for being the horse.
Jess Roberts, owner and trainer of Harmonized Horsemanship, is a horse trainer and equine behaviorist based out of Franktown, Colorado. Specializing in the horse and human connection, Jess combines a variety of different training techniques and approaches to create a deeper connection that results in a willing and happy equine partner. Learn more about her approach here.