In 2004, Congress declared Dec. 13 as National Day of the Horse in the United States. This year, we asked members of our Facebook community to tell us what horses mean to them. Some of their responses appear below. Share your thoughts in the comments!
—Moor-Gans Morgan Horses
Every time I ride it relieves my stress in so many ways. Horses are beautiful creatures with a mind of their own. I finally got my first horse at age 35. He is my therapy for everything everyday. Just seeing him, watching him graze, walk around, run and play is such an amazing feeling to me. I couldn’t ask for anything more.
–Monique N.
Horses mean I never have to worry about having extra money laying around! And that an animal who has no reason to trust anyone can learn to trust you, if you’re honest in your intentions.
— Janet A.
I have loved horses since I was 4 years old. I was very timid. Scared of everything until I saw my first herd of horses. I marched right into the paddock and hugged one of the horses around its chest (I was only as tall as his chest). Horses have been my calm place my whole life and were a key element in developing my confidence. Today horses are helping my 3-year-old daughter. She survived a stroke while I was pregnant with her. She has hemiparesis and mild cerebral palsy. The therapy horses have done wonders in helping her in so many ways! She is so much more confident and is on the verge of running. I truly have the utmost respect for horses, or earth angels as I call them. I try to repay them by volunteering at a miniature horse rescue and I am going to become an equine body worker and give a gentle, healing touch to these beautiful animals who have made such a difference in my life.
— Diane A.
As so many others have commented, my horse is my therapy, my friend, my reason for getting out of bed everyday. Too many bad things gave happened in the past five years, and he’s always there for a kiss and a hug. Thank you TKC Twist Of Sabre.
— Judi L.
My horses are my solace. They are a true gift from God. They are my companions and my my soul mates! They love us unconditionally; they do not care what you look like, what you have, the color of your skin, or how much money you have. They bring me peace, love and respect. I lost my first horse this September. I’d had him 26 years. He was 34 years old when he left this world. He gave me his all, more than any human has ever given me! There is nothing in this world better than to have a life long bond with a horse, who completely, utterly trusts you, takes care of you.
— Kimberly G.
The New York State Horse Council give thanks for the iconic NYC carriage horses for the joy they bring to many who live in and visit New York. Well kept and well housed, we also acknowledge the benefits they bring in inspiring the interest in horses and equine careers amongst folks who may not otherwise have the opportunity to touch a horse.
My horses got me through the darkest days of my life. They are old now, but will be with me till death do us part.
what horses mean to me … Well now that would have to be the hardest qwestion in my life to try and answer .. i dont reckon i have the words .. tho i supose Its a Freedome only a horseman or woman can understand ,,yet how can one explain ? .. life for me wouldnt be worth living with out um and the thought alone makes me thank the good lord for giving me such a friend as my horse Dear Lord
If we should stumble
my horse and I … Pick him up first Lord
for he has already carried me through Hell
My horses are as important to me as my grandchildren! I got my first very own horse in my 40s always rode as a kid was bucked off and drug by a horse at 5 still could not wait to get back on!! Just hanging in the pasture with mine watching them just wakes me up inside it moves me in a way i cant explain! It calms me when ive had a bad day just to stand and be accepted as a part of the herd! They tend to groom me as much as i groom them! Its like being a part of their world! In the word of winston Churchill: there is something about the outside of a horse that does something to the inside of a man!!!
What horses mean to me? They are big, strong, and magnificent creatures that can carry a human, Which no other animal can do. They are like a dog, because they will follow you around. And, when riding a horse you feel safer than walking at night, because you know you can rear the horse when there is danger.
The Horse has meant everything to me ever since I was a little girl. Climbed up on my first horse when I was barely old enough to walk. Being around them gives me a feeling unlike any other! Happiness, Peace, Warms my heart!! Let’s just say I never outgrew the horse infatuation phase!!! 🙂
The Horse has meant everything to me ever since I was a little girl. Climbed up on my first horse when I was barely old enough to walk. Being around them gives me a feeling unlike any other! Happiness, Peace, Warms my heart!! Let’s just say I never outgrew the horse infatuation phase!!! 🙂
Horses are strong and honorable animals. We ask little and they will give their all. They are to me a trainer for my temper. The more love you show the more they return.
My horse is my partner, companion, friend. He makes worries feel less important. Riding him is my reward after finishing a hard task, my present on my birthday, any holidays. Grooming him takes me away from the day. Cleaning his pen takes care of him, my good friend, and takes my mind off life’s chores. I feel happy when he nickers, and looking into his eyes. I would feel as though I had no feet without him. If he wasn’t in my life, something would be missing.
I began my love affair with Horses when I was a toddler. They are engrained in my soul! They are my passion, stress reliever, salvation, and my confidant.
My horses keep me sane in this crazy world we live in..caring for them is like salve for the soul..riding them the ultimate feeling of freedom..their power, grace and speed intoxicating..their trust and respect the greatest gift..and training them a rewarding challenge..the love for horses is just a part of me..
My horses have helped me stay grounded through tough times in my life!I would not be the happy person I am today without them!
Horses are amazing and even more amazing is our relationship with them. The incredible partnership we have is unique. I am constantly amazed at the things they willingly do for/with us and the affection they openly display. I know I’m not imagining my horse’s love for me, and I love him right back. Life is better with a horse in it!
I am a retired disabled AF Vet. When I retired I after 20 years of service I felt useless and found myself sitting for hours planning my funeral making sure the Honor Guard would be there etc…Then a friend posted a picture of a horse that was headed for slaughter on facebook. She was an Amish buggy horse used for breeding and as transportation and now that she was blind in one eye and due to the beginning of arthritis she was no longer useful so was headed to slaughter. Needless to say I had an instant connection. So, now my beautiful 16hh, red bay standardbred, blind in both eyes, horse is retired and living in a paddock in the front of my house with 3 other rescues. Horse poor? Definitely. A new lease on life after military retirement? Priceless. My horses saved my life.
I’ve had horses in my daily life, all my life and my father’s also. I have 4 now one of which will be 30 in April, she’s been in my life 28 years. They are my passion, and dogs.
Limerick Ode to the Horse
By Madeleine Begun Kane?
It’s the “National Day of the Horse.”
Till I’m hoarse, I of course shall endorse.
On the racecourse or farm
Or police force, what charm!
It had better not be your main course.
Horses mean peace, to me. I cannot own one because of the financial burden involved, but my family has horses and I volunteer at a local stable on Sundays. When I go out there, it’s when I feel closest to the divine.
I know that every Sunday I will be “going to church”. When I drive up, greeting all those beautiful creatures nearly makes me tear up. It’s true that happiness has a scent; horse sweat, leather, manure, and sun-warmed hay.
I suffer from depression and find that being with my horse helps me get thru the day. I have had several horses in my lifetime and I can count on one hand the ones that I wish I still had or the one I do have. My latest horse is a rescue from a kill buyer and not only did I save him but he has saved me. He brings my spirits up every time I am with him and he brings me joy from his silly antics, sweet disposition and kind eyes. I named him JC because I got him the day before Easter and he has a cross (blaze) on his forehead.
Horses make me happy I love how they really do feel how your feeling. If I am feeling like shit and sad, show me a horse and let me at least talk to the horse and pet the horse, even better go riding!! I always feel better. Cant help but smile when I am around the best therapists, counselors, friends ever. Nothing but love for my beautiful equine friends
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I volunteer for an equine therapy place where I also board my 4 horses and as someone who learned to ride before I could walk, they never cease to amaze me or make me feel like I’m on top of the world. They truly are God’s finest creatures and I’ll always have hoof prints all over my soul
I am so very excited that my son recently bought a farm. In the spring, my daughter in law will get her first horse! I had horses from the time I was 8 until I sold my last horse when I was 29. They, along with my other animals made me what I am today. They taught me responsibility, courage, patience, kindness, faith and love. As I sit here now, I am unable to get up in a saddle – my hips and spine will need surgery. But I promised myself that once I am able to move without the pain I am in now, I WILL get back up in the saddle again.
Horses get used on our ranch for all cattle round ups,, we move cows/calf groups all summer long from pasture to pasture, and fall round up, so they get used , ridden, roped off of,, and at the arena for team roping practice. We raise our own colts, from our brood mare band of Registered Quarter horses..
My horses touch my soul like no other creature….they always put a smile on my face.
Nice article. My Paso Fino horse is my life.
Horses are the best therapy and you always now just how you feel.
hese magnificent animals have literally saved my life, they have given me hope, love, strength, just by being by my side and letting me cry on their shoulder, whisper in their ears, hug their beautiful necks, and look into their kind eyes and find peace in an unpeaceful world
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My horse Joluka was my best friend. He was my confidant. I told him everything. and we would just hang out all day together. I never felt alone with Joey by my side. He was 32 when he slipped and fell in a sink hole and died. I love that horse still and I Know that I will see him again in Heaven at the Rainbow Bridge!
Love you Joey!
For me my horses are my companion since 11 years, good friends and I love them much. I hope I will have a long time further on with them. They have deep good souls and they are all so wonderful.
friend….my morgan mare queen. i have had her since she was 3 and she is 16 now. even when i dont have time to ride her she still wants petted and brushed, and if im down and i go out for a hug she will hang her head over my shoulder and just stand there.
Our Horses are a gift from God. There is a feeling of joy and peace when my wife and I are around them. The new testament says in Revelation we who will become perfect in Christ (after Rapture will) return to the earth with Christ riding white horses. Horses were created by our God for our joy and his.
GallopNYC and our horse partners help children and adults with special needs walk talk connect behave and learn. We cherish our animal helpers and are committed to caring for them well and handling them to the highest standards of horsemanship.
We celebrated all week and ended with free pony rides and caroling to the horses. Pics are on our Facebook. Ponies And Kids.
Every day is Horse Day around here….my horses have it circled on their calendar in red…each day they tell me tomorrow is National Horse Day.
Horses, they are a way of life. They are not a hobby, or even merely a “business” venture, they are a way of life. Some folks who may be to physically unable to enjoy horses like in their “youth” will still find a way to keep them as part of their life, their everyday. Horses, they ARE a way of life!
spirit, freedom, companion, dreams
Horses are blessings.
Here’s a story of a blessing One Special Night.
The Lord Jesus so blessed me with an Arabian mare whose name is Randi. This blessing was multiplied with God’s love within her for a special blessing for me. She was to have a baby. About a month before she was to foal, I began a nightly habit of going to the pasture to check on her before going to bed. After a week or so, she became tired of the ritual and would not allow me to check her. So I began to check on her condition from a distance using a large flat sided flashlight. One night I deeply felt the Spirit of God. There was a full moon and a calmness there that only God can give. So I turned off the flashlight and layed it down on the ground before me. I wanted to enjoy this time to its fullest. I began to talk to the Lord. The moment became overwhelming and I cried out to God, “I wished I could kneel down before you to worship.” I have some medical problems, so kneeling was impossible. Then I sense something to my left. It was Randi. I put my arm around her neck and she helped me to lower myself to the ground. Without any thought, my knees rested on the flat side of the flashlight. God had found a resting place for my knees without pebbles to give pain. Randi stayed and steadied me while I worshipped the Lord. When I finished praying, Randi raised her head so that I could stand once again. Then she walked away to another part of the pasture. A few weeks later, Randi foaled a palomino filly. The Lord blessed me again with the desire of my heart. I wanted a palomino filly. This Morab filly I named, Manuela, which means God is with us. For on that special night of prayer, God’s presence was undeniable with us.
This is a unknown day even to us Horse Lovers! This should get more national attention & be celebrated as far as just showing the Horse the Honor they deserve bestowed upon them. Before dog was mans best friend, was the majestic horse! They too went thru war & battlefields & gave their lives & last breath serving our needs in War & in Work & in Pleasure Etc… They have never gotten the well deserved recognition that all others have in our lifetime. The horse is NOT a dumb brainless, emotionless, non-talented beast! FAR FROM IT! They are smart, loving, your best friend, work partner & best bud! Often times even our Protectors!!! Dogs don’t hold the sole place for all the things they do- the majestic horse is all the same as the dog when messed with & shown love & not just thrown into a lonely field or stall undealt &never handled. Let’s show TRUE HONOR to our 1st Working Animal & pleasure too.
Sense those horses on your cover sheet are my horses…..i think the article is great!
Beautiful photo!
Life without a horse I don’t think so. They seem to know when you don’t feel good or down in the dumps. They are the most amazing animal a person can have in there life.
Horses are my inspiration. My true companions. They are entwined in my soul. They helped build this nation and will be there till we ride off into eternity.
They are my life! And they should be treasured by all. Especially the wild ones who the BLM is trying to obliterate. What an incongruity that Congres has decreed December 13 as the National Day of the horse, yet is ignoring cries from horse lovers to stop all BLM actions against our National Treasures and National Heritage–the Mustangs!
My horses keep me sane from all the horrors I see at work. They are there when I am depressed and missing love ones that have passed. They do not judge me or criticized they way I look as people do.they are beautiful and forgiven creatures and feel blessed they are in my life.