The memories are as vivid as black and white, as stark as night and day, and as real as skin and bone.
I don’t remember my grade school teachers, but I remember the horses that were in our pasture. Like pencil marks on the door frame, I measured my height against their shoulders to guess my age by how tall I was standing beside them.
There was a musky sweat and dander smell, even before I was as tall as the top of their legs. I can see my tiny palm resting flat on their necks as they grazed. The grass was so new and sweet that I nibbled along, a few blades at a time.
I knew we were friends because when we walked together they were careful to keep their heads very low, just level with mine so we could hear each other.
They taught me how it works: You have to let your heart be soft. You have to let your love be just an inch bigger than your fear.
Bless my ghost herd; the value of their individual lives is affirmed by the vivid quality of the memory they left with me.
Anna Blake, Infinity Farm.
WordPress Photo Challenge is a weekly prompt to share a photo- I enjoy twisting these macro prompts to share our micro life here on the Colorado prairie. My photos are taken with my phone, on my farm. No psych, definitely not high tech.
“You have to let your love be an inch bigger than your fear.” Love this truth, and am going to write it down on the board at the barn so everyone can read it. Thank you!
Thanks, Lisa. Not as easy as it sounds though, is it?
Nope, it sure isn’t. Especially on those days when the fear seems to have taken on a life of its own, for absolutely no apparent reason. It’s usually then that someone tells you not to be afraid because your horse can sense it, and he’ll become anxious, too. It’s a real Catch 22 sometimes. ??
Wow! Beautiful, brought tear to my eyes. I only have one ghost horse in my past, and I wasn’t even around when she left. I only hope after we had to sell her that she had a good life. She taught me a lot and tolerated me even more… but above all she took care of the ignorant young girl I was. As I walk with my living horses now I only hope I can do Lady Faye’s memory and the living ones justice, as they teach me every day! Thank you.
One of mine was a “Lady” as well. It’s a name that’s grown in meaning since those days.
Beautiful. and Wonderful.
Thanks. I know I always give them credit, but it’s true. Then I wrote a whole book about why… but I agree, horses are
beautiful and wonderful.
beautiful
Thanks, Val. Thinking of you and yours.
Lovely..
Thank you.
Yes it is like that with my old boy. He is so careful of me
The Grandfathers are the very best.