The Perfect Horse
By Elizabeth Carnley
What is the Perfect Horse? I think most of us have daydreamed of a majestic black stallion with a flowing mane and tail, or perhaps a golden palomino mare with a perfect blaze. But I don't think that is the Perfect Horse. I think the Perfect Horse is more like the one that I ride on a farm, one that is less of a fantasy and more of a teacher and a friend.
The Perfect Horse isn't necessarily stunningly beautiful; in fact, he's probably gotten a few scars and dings from life. He's probably been hurt but lived through it, has been scared but overcame his fear, and is ready to teach his rider to do the same.
The Perfect Horse will buck you off when you deserve it, but wait patiently for you to get back on. He has problems, and he will teach you to deal with them. He knows that you can't learn to be a skilled horseman if everything goes your way. He will challenge you, but only as much as you are ready to handle. He will teach you that you still have more to learn.
The Perfect Horse is tough; he will gallop when he's too tired, jump obstacles that are too high, and go up hills that are too steep. He can handle the results of your ignorance or youth. He will make you look back years later and shake your head in amazement, thinking, "I can't believe he did that for me."
The Perfect Horse is not a super-horse. He may go lame or colic, or suffer from an abscess. He will teach you there is more to horsemanship than just riding. He will need food and water daily, and a clean shelter to live in. He will teach you to work, but it will be worth it.
The Perfect Horse will forgive you when you make mistakes, and expect you to do the same for him. He will try to ignore the tack that doesn't fit right, the confusing signals, and will do his best to please.
The Perfect Horse may not be the prettiest or the fastest, but he has the most heart. When he wins a ribbon, you know he really deserved it.
He loves a good carrot and a pat on the neck. In fact, that is his greatest reward - a little treat and a little love is what he lives for.
My Perfect Horse was - and still is - my beautiful Missouri Fox Trotter horse, Cady, and I dedicate this to her. Your Perfect Horse may be different. He or she may be all of the above, or maybe not. He may be old or young, a pony or a draft horse. He may have more problems or more attributes. But if you're smiling, crying, or understanding as you read this, then chances are that you, too, have known a Perfect Horse.
