'Just a Horse'

                                                                By Michelle Herbolsheimer

I have often been told to Forget it, it's 'Just a horse.'  More often than not, I have heard a family member say, That's a lot of money to be spending on, 'Just a horse'... I am deeply saddened.  Obviously they fail to see the beauty of it all. The incredible distance I've traveled, all the time I've spent, the work that has been involved, the dreams created, the goals achieved, and all done... for 'Just a horse'.

For me, having 'Just a horse' is the reason I get up early in the morning, before anyone else is out of bed...  Making that trip out of the house, even when, it's pouring rain, or blowing snow, or so hot, you melt the minute you step out of the door, or so cold, your breath freezes as it come out of your lungs. It's why I've spent many sleepless nights alongside the side of the sick, or the dying, or why I've sat quietly, waiting, sleepless, for that new life to make it’s presence in this world.

Having, 'Just a Horse', has given me some of my proudest moments, and some of my saddest.  Some days, it has been the gentle touch, the quiet nicker, the look in a soft kind eye, that gives me, for that day, the reason I need, to struggle on.  It is my hopes and dreams for their future, some of my most fondest memories of the past, and the and anticipated fulfillment of the coming day.

For it's 'Just a horse'  that brings out the best in me.  It's 'Just a horse' who defines the person I am, that one thing in my life, that sets me- apart.  I may smile sadly, and nod to agree, when you tell me- it's 'Just a horse'...  Sadly knowing, deep down, if you really think it's 'just a horse', then you'll never see, never fully understand what it is that drives me.  You will never be able to love me, for who I am... For those precious moments that I have shared with 'Just a horse', make me who I am...