Free. That's how I feel everytime I ride 'my'  horse indoors and outdoors. Empowered. I think we all feel Empowered when we sit upon the back of a nine-hundred pound animal and ride. How could we not feel this way? Great kings, emperors, leaders and generals and even traitors rode today's horse.

 Alexander the Great had Bucephalus. Genghis Khan was believed to have a stunning Akhal-teke. George Washington rode Nelson,  a horse who carried him through Valley Forge and Yorktown. Napoleon had Meringo named after his success in the Battle of Merino. Comanche was the only surviving horse in the Battle of Little Big Horn;he was found with three arrows sticking out of him and nursed back to health. 

Stacy Westfall has Roxy;Beezie Madden rode Authentic; Debbie McDonald has Brentina and I have 'my'  Cody. These horses, and all horses, are fantastic creatures with big hearts and spirits. They carry us for miles willingly. They endure our mistakes and faults and quirks. They listen to out problems and silently allow us to emote. They soar over gates;weave around barrels;trot across the arena and gallop through green fields all while carrying us. Horses take us places we've never been and places we'll never reach without them. They're there for the long haul. 

To be able to ride an animal that could kill you, without issue, fills you with a sense of pride. Having that same animal love and respect you.......... Well now, that just makes our world. Horses the live up to thirty years. Thirty years you get to bond and love this animal, and it does the same with you. Thirty years for the two of you to grow together, fall and get back up. From the moment that foal hits the ground;the moment this new life looks at you as a future partner;the moment you touch this vulnerable creature, your new life begins. So embrace it. Don't let it slip through your fingers. Don't hesitate or doubt yourself. Take the bull by the horns and make this worth while.  Soar through the sky over jumps;weave swiftly between poles and around barrels;gallop through a green field or run down a dirt track.

 Horses give us the wings we need to fly.......... so don't  wait, take off and soar......... and together you'll reach new heights.