People have always cared me a bit, you see – they’re so complicated. I suppose that’s why I prefer horses. This quote from the 1950’s movie Separate Tables, always comes to mind around Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re married, single, or in the suddenly popular “It’s Complicated” situation, this is the time of year when thoughts of love, romance, and passion come front and center for many people.
We’re inundated with advertisements for roses and chocolate and romantic pajamas delivered to the front door — and yes, more than a few ads for jewelry. Who hasn’t heard that every kiss begins with Kay?
But not every kiss begins with Kay, or K. That’s not true at all. Some kisses — some of the best kisses — come early in the morning, when you’ve gone out to the barn and frosty curls of warm breath come from your favorite fuzzy noses. Is there a feeling in the world that matches the way your heart leaps when you hear that whinny of joy at your arrival, the thunderous pounding of hooves across the pasture as your horse runs to the fence, wanting nothing more than to be near to you and perhaps a scratch on the forehead? Okay, those carrots you’ve brought aren’t exactly unwelcome…
Those of us who are fortunate enough to have horses in our lives know something of love that perhaps the rest of the world does not. We know that it is possible to have passion without expectation, that each day presents us something new to learn about those we love, that there are sure to be challenges in the relationship, but that they can be overcome with love, patience, and understanding of a mindset perhaps totally different than our own. And that a few carefully timed sugar cubes can cover a multitude of mistakes!
On this Valentine’s Day, let’s certainly celebrate the love of those people around us who make our lives complete. Romance is wonderful, and it should be treasured. The love we have for and from horses adds another layer of wonderful to the whole thing.
Leave a Reply