Life Lessons and Horses

Dear Horses,

Who knew I would learn so much more than just your quirks?

Helmert the rap-loving wooly mammoth who waited till I knew how to care for a horse to be difficult to braid and keep clean.

Apollo the fire-breathing dragon that scares people with pinned back ears who likes to cuddle once you get to know her.

Koda the snail-speed walker who loves to canter when asked to speed up.

All of you taught me life lessons in each different interaction.

Newbies can be experts with lots of practice and guidance.

Don't judge someone without trying get to know them.

Don't let bad experiences stop you from enjoying something.

When I first met you Helmert, I had no horse care experience- and you knew it at first sight.

When I first saw you Apollo, I thought you were going to bite my face off- but then you snuggled against my side while waiting for our riding lesson to start.

When I first rode you Koda, you probably didn't know I had a horse gallop like crazy when I asked for a trot, but your love to go fast helped me overcome my fear of a repeated episode.

From all of you, I learned how to live life: 

Constantly learning

Understanding others

Overcoming fear with love

Lovingly,

Galen