Whether you are in awe of their size, speed or the mere sight of them, you must admit that they probably catch your attention.  To some of us more intimate with them, their moments of calmness, the sight of their hair blowing in the wind as they gallop, the gentleness of their touch, and the individuality of their natures all contribute to our deep respect for them.  To experience standing within a congenial herd and noticing their eye contact and gestures makes it hard to call them animals. 

However, thats indeed what they are.  They are animals of prey; susceptible to predators, including man. Often, man mistreats these wonders.  If you don't quite believe it, type in "equine rescue" on any search engine and you'll find dozens of sites in need of donations, adoptions, fostering and other goods and services. You wouldn't need this many or even this kind of site(s) if it weren't for mistreatment of them.  What they really deserve is freedom such as the guarded Mustangs in the Black Hills of South Dakota or the wandering Shacklefords that live amongst the sand dunes and sand bars of the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Even these horses are protected by our donations and federal protection but at least they are mostly free. If you want to find examples of their peace, try "Wild Horses" by Natasha Bedingfield on youtube.com.  Also see my links.

There are two major kinds of organizations that are often in need. Sometimes these organizations are one in the same: a) homes for unwanted older companion horses, and, b) homes for horses fresh off the race track, unwanted by their former owners.  Both have much left to give.  Companion horses are unrideable but provide companionship to other horses in the pasture.  Race horses remain viable for other horse-friendly competitions.  Either way, there is usually a better opportunity than some potential life-ending alternatives. 

Taking care of horses is not all spiritual.  As any horse person will tell you, the chores can be quite arduous.  From watering, cleaning the water troughs, keeping the pastures and barn in shape, and, best of all, mucking the stalls, it is not glorified work.  There are the better aspects; feeding them, giving them treats, herding them in and out, walking the pastures to check fences and a simple lick or nudge (yeah, yeah personal space I know!).  In sum, it all brings a peace, more than an offset for the dirty work that makes you wash your Carharts.          

Horses are often used in therapy to help mentally or physically handicapped people.  There is an association that I support: The National American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA and narha.org), which is " A membership organization which fosters safe, professional, ethical and therapeutic equine activities through education, communication, standards and research for people with handicaps [sic]".  NARHA provides many services for many organizations and people.

In some situations, just being near the horses or watching them in the pasture helps one's spirit. This is the primary reason for this publication.  Horses have touched my soul.  While I’ll never know whether they understand the good they’ve done and continue to do for me, I will continue to walk beside them and treat them as kindly as one would a friend.  I only hope I can give back to them some of what they have given me.  

Only out of my own neglegence have I ever been hurt by a horse (I still walk, talk and have all my own digits).  Some horses have been taught bad habits or man's mistreatment have made them defensive upon approach.  It doesn't take long to win them over.  The calmness of your gait, the persistence of your contact, the smell of your breath and the calmness and tone of your voice all work towards improving a relationship or winning them over. 

The electronic pictorials are a dedication to the lives of “my” herd (approx. 26 strong).  The pictures show them playing, rolling in the mud and minding me. I have sought to show them in all seasons, with blankets or masks, covered in mud, or in other candid poses, for this is how I see them as I walk the pastures.  I hope they look at me also and call me friend - someone to talk to, someone to listen to.

May God bless them.

(Doc and Ethan RIP)