Just a Horse?

Question

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 travelled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a horse." Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a horse." Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a horse," but I did not once 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 make me a better person. Because of "just a horse" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future. So for me

Answer 1

Wonderful writing.  And so true!

Answer 2

I'm scornful when people reply to me like that with our small, quaint boarding barn. Of course, I won't ever come to admit to them that "a horse" is like "a child." People will stare at you in disbelief is you reply to them, "well, it's just a child. that's a lot of money to spend on a child."

I have "THAT HORSE," that despises me when I bring her out to be ridden, but come time when i just sling my leg over her back, she's MY HORSE. No one touches me when I'm with MY HORSe, or MY HORSE will give you the devil's stare, and will snort like a bull, before charging.

That's just the life of "that horse."

Answer 3

For most of my life I've been told "It's JUST a horse.".  It was never more apparent than when I lost my "forever friend" over a decade ago.  I've still got horses, but my special friend no one could understand the bond who didn't have horses.

My best friend for over 4 decades never got it.  For decades even though she'd had a nice conformation hunter TB for about 3 years, her trainer broke the horse, rode the horse and showed the horse, she didn't.  Finally she sold the horse when she met her hubby.

About 5 years ago, she came for a visit and I reintroduced her to horses again.  3 years ago, she bought this little pinto gelding.  It's a whole different ball game now.  I get IMs and e-mails from her, worried about this or worried about that.  Each time I get one, I laugh and remember...

Answer 4

I have this exact same problem. mainly when i was about 17, and we (my friends and i) were starting to go out etc, or travell away for weekends. id have to say no sometimes to going out and not cause i wasnt aloud but because i chose to commit my self to riding every day from the age of 5 and it was my choice (god my parents would have loved for me to give up when the drought hit because of feed prices, but new it would never happen lol!) and on weekends sometimes id have to say na i couldnt go to the city cause i was going away with horses, every1 was like come on its "Just a horse", cant u give it the flick for the weekend? im like no, this "just a horse thing" has been a part of my every day routine since i was 5! that was longer than most of my best friends lol! (as most of mine were made in high school!) and there was only 2 mates that i had been around from day dot that understood me! Now and than i dont ride for some reason, but i always have to organise someone to feed and rug him etc, its not something we can just forget about! lol

Answer 5

That was so nice, thank you for taking time out to connect with the other true horse lovers out here. We all understand exactly! Non-horsey folks don't get our connection with our 4-legged beasts, and that's ok....we get it, and it truly sustains us.  Thanks again.

(Karla: go away.)

Answer 6

Your point is?

Answer 7

thats like someone saying "it's just a part of your heart"...horses are great i love my horses to pieces, but i try to keep them in perspective of the rest of my life....horses can become too much and people can become obsessed, so i try to stay balanced with my view of them.

Answer 8

I love that - it is so true.

I think it's funny how people get so upset over stupid stuff when talking it out with a horse will make it all so much better.

Answer 9

i agree

that kinda sounded like a poem!!

i really liked what u said =]

Answer 10

I totally agree.

Answer 11

you are sooo right!!! just like they say, its just a cat, or just a dog, when its really someones best friend. they are just a person anyway so y should they be nagging on and on about these amazing creatures???

Answer 12

I totally agree...  people should say it's just a human... horses are better any way!

Answer 13

I completely agree!!!

And just ran into it on Saturday at my cousin's graduation when a woman asked me what I "Do".

She just couldn't understand why I would own even one horse, let alone 8, when all they do is cost money. (Her words.)

She said, "You can't eat em, sell their milk, or use their hide for clothing. All you can do is ride them, so, what good are they?"

I was upset, but she is entitled to her opinion. I just smiled and told her they were good for love, peace of mind and honesty. I could have gone on forever, but in the end, you are absolutely right, they "just" don't get it.

Thanks for the post! It was a joy to read. :)

Answer 14

i agree!!

Answer 15

Cute... I read this the other day though I think, someone else posted it. Love it though so I don't mind reading it again. Thanks for sharing.