.
Oh stretchy trot, friend of friends,
honest and true,
how do I love thee?
Let me count the ways.
.
There in the beginning, and there at the end,
thy calming presence evolving into the finest equine dance.
.
Compulsory test circle
or ultimate personal choice,
available at a moment's notice,
thou art the true collaborator.
.
Releasing tension, transmitting serenity to the mind,
encouraging relaxation,
improving weight carriage;
steadfastly the soothing one during tumultuous times.
.
I know when thou art here:
soft ears, loose muscles, bounciness,
floating light-stepped-ness,
and
the ever-pervasive snorts!
.
Not a mere "neck down"
or some prescribed posture to behold,
thou art an overall body stretch
through the topline from tail to ear.
.
I cannot express
enough love for thee,
save that I will be here, lingering,
eagerly awaiting your next appearance.
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Lots more "just for fun" reading here:
A Recipe for Living: If life were a recipe, what would it look like?
Softly Determined – A Poem: 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”.
Because of Horses: What has changed in your life because of horses?
A Song and My Very Own Chestnut Mare: You will find me bristling at the suggestion that chestnut mares are unworthy.
An Ode to Kayla Queen – As She Turns 30: Happy 30th birthday, dear Kayla, the exhilarating horse with a never-ending zest for living!