I can feel the sun’s rays glowing on my skin. There’s a sweltering breeze fluttering through my hair. A perfect summer day. As I’m gently touching my horse and rubbing his back, he looks back at me and glares into my eyes. I love you so much. I hug him and he gives me a neigh. ‘I love you too.’
Everything amazes me about this animal. His pointy, soft ears, the way his fur is the color of chocolate, but on his forehead he has a beautiful snowflake-like spot, his eyes so big and dreamy, I can see my whole future in them. His legs are brown like coffee, but he has three white socks covering his hoofs. My favorite part is his belly, it’s unusually fluffy and wooly. I wish you could sense it.
I feel like a child again next to him. He brings out a joy in me which I’ve never felt before. I am so intrigued by all of his movements, the way he approaches me, the way he reacts when he sees me. I am so frail. I am only human. He could tear me to pieces in two seconds.
I grab the navy blue halter that’s hanging on his stall and I prepare to get him out for a ride. As I get close to him, he lowers his head delicately and I put his halter on. I get all of my riding equipment ready and I tack him up. The cocoa color of the saddle, bridle and breastplate match flawlessly with him. The burgundy, velvet saddle pad blends in so smoothly. It’s a perfect picture.
You can see the excitement on my face as I put my foot into the silvery stirrup and hop on. I pet him on the shoulder, so he knows I am very grateful that he lets me so fearlessly into his deep personal space. It’s an honor to me to have this incredible, inexplicable experience alongside him. I have so much trust in him. I know I am untouchable as long as he trusts me as well.
The kind of connection we grew to have is one beyond anyone’s comprehension. I feel him and he understands and accepts all of me. Whenever I am happy, he is happy too. If I’m angry or sad, he will instantly acknowledges and changes his whole mood. But the hours over hours spent with you, the treats, the long and refreshing baths, the love, the trust, everything has gotten us to this point right here.
Little did I know this might be our last ride together. You have taught me so much! I learned how to be more patient, how to be so determined to achieve all of my goals, how to be disciplined and last but not least how to respect the hard, tough work that’s put behind the scenes in this elegant, fascinating sport, equitation. Everyone makes it look seemingly serene.
I never wanted to lose you! Just so you know, you’re here by my side, in my thoughts… always and forever. I know you’re with someone that loves you as much as I did. And I am thankful for that! I will never ever experience again what I did when I was a professional horseback rider. This chapter of my life has unfortunately ended, but it could never be forgotten. I love you! (P.S. No, he is not dead, just not mine anymore.)