I found this one on the Internet long ago, with no indication of the author.*
However, it has stayed with me, blending intensity with passion, being so eloquent and yet knowledgeable about the "path". I have personally gone through many of the moments that are described here, and so it has touched me deeply, and been an anchor through my growth as a rider. Enjoy!
* Edited to add: The author was found (see comments below)! Thank you for writing this beautiful poem, Bernie!
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Soft Determination
So we: make haste slowly; try harder gently; are softly determined.
The ideal we desire is one of dynamic harmony,
with aids telepathic in their subtlety.
Towards that goal,
our aids should speak in whispers rather than shouts.
The horse is the partner whose emphasis includes strength;
the rider should not emphasize this.
So beware the clenched jaw of the rider,
showing the strain of excess muscular effort, trying too hard.
Clearer communication is not usually stronger muscular effort,
but more correct and focussed effort.
Finesse, and the sweat of an iron will,
rather than the sweat of iron muscles.
As we progress in riding,
some muscles grow stronger - our legs, our abdominals -
but our real strength comes from inside,
our wish for harmony,
our desire to move as one with the horse.
So we:
make haste slowly;
try harder gently;
are softly determined.
BK4Leg
Finally! The Ultimate Rider-Centered Program!
