When you bond with your horse, it is a unique blend of trust, love and respect. They are magnificent animals and good therapists.

A few years ago, when I was having a really bad day, I went out to the pasture and wrapped my arms around my horse and sobbed into his mane. His breath was warm on my neck and his head enfolded me in a gentle hug. When the hug was finished, I felt better.  I came inside and wrote the following poem:

Out of Balance

When your day seems out of balance,

And so many things go wrong.

When People fight around you,

And your day drags on so long.

When parents act like children,

In-laws make you think “Divorce”

Go out into your pasture,

Wrap your arms around your horse!

His gentle breath enfolds you

He watches with those eyes,

He doesn’t retain a PhD

But he is oh so wise…

His head rests on your shoulder

He embraces you so tight

He puts your world in balance

And he makes it seem alright

Your tears they soon stop flowing

The tension is now eased

The garbage has been lifted

And your heart is now at peace.

So when you need the balance

From circumstances in your day

The best therapist that you can seek

Is out there eating hay!

-Mary Anne Miller-