Heart Connection

How does one explain that “thing” between humans and horses? I think it may be easier to illustrate…

For me, the sight of horses running wild and free across an expansive pasture is breathtaking and brings tears to my eyes. Yes, I am one of those people. I see a beauty and grace that's masterfully built. Their power released and unfettered is a sight to behold. Muscles undulate and flex with each stride. The vibration of it all comes through my legs and straight to my heart. The pounding of my heart echoes the pounding of hooves. A soft whistle is all it takes to gain the attention of the herd lead. Then, as one, they turn toward me. It feels like I'm the only person in the world. It's me and them. Nothing else. No one else. They close the gap between us quickly and I can hear their individual hoofbeats … matching the rhythm of my heart.

There’s something all at once magical and eerily real about the power of a horse that connects directly to a human's soul. As I write, I'm sitting in a friend's barn bundled in several layers of warm clothes. It's around 19 degrees on this Wisconsin winter day. But I'm here, soothing my soul and connecting with these magnificent creatures that instinctively know something about myself that I do not. I pop in a few stalls and breathe deep. The miasma of fresh shavings and sweet feed a distinct contrast to the earthly smell of the fuzzy horse blowing warm breath across my cheek. The steam of their breath warms my cheek for a few moments with each exhale.

Every breath, every beat of their heart melts away stress and anxiety as my whole world focuses one on one with the gentle life before me. This force that could choose to do harm or run away chooses to lower their head and console something inside of me that I can't quite put my finger on. There's no explaining it. Yet, so many understand it, know it, feel it in their own soul. Horses ignite an unseen flame within many of us. When you're around other horse people you can see this bond, that special magic, that fuels a fire in so many of us:

A mini being led around by a child barely taller than the horse. The mini chooses patience and grace as its little leader goes all about the grounds showing off their 4-legged friend to anyone and everyone. Its eyes closing for a brief respite with each show and tell.

A young girl sitting on the bleachers under a shade tree in July. The reins of her heart horse loosely held in her hand. The horse stands in the shade, just as grateful for a break between classes as the girl. Both quiet and still. The noise and motion around them are ineffective at stealing their respite.

A horse someone said couldn't be ridden, was a lost cause, or just too old stands peacefully munching from the hay net tied to the trailer. A teenage boy softly and calmly brushing his coat. Wisping away the dust and dander. The boy whispers encouragement and words of wisdom while he diligently grooms his new trail partner. Outwardly calm, but inside he's so excited to show the world they were wrong.

A brief nose to nose moment shared in the pasture. A soft pat on a relaxed neck after a job well done. A nicker of greeting or goodbye that's meant only for you. Whether in the barn or pasture, out on the trail or during a competition, these amazing creatures know just what we need. These moments can be long or short, happen slowly over time or be brief. But they all renew the connection between our heart and theirs.

Some horses leave a lasting impression on your life. They fill a space in your heart you didn't know was empty, awaken your senses, and make you feel emotions you didn't know you had. They have a grace and elegance that not everyone can see. For those of us that see it, that feel it, the only thing that can fill our souls is the horse. I am one of those people. Are you? What is the name of a horse that's spoken to your heart?