"Horse Sense"

It wasn’t long after initially meeting Eclipse and finalizing the purchase that he came home to the barn. I felt like a new parent as I prepared for his arrival.  (Yes, I knew he was a horse, but he was also my new baby).  I made several trips to the tack store, making sure he had everything he would need, stocking up on treats, grooming supplies, saddle pads, halters, lead ropes, bits and more. I had already fallen into the trap of being an overindulgent parent, and he wasn’t even home yet!  

He made the trip with his current owner and trainer so they could see the barn where he was going to reside and say their goodbyes. Dayna had hurt her back and wasn’t able to be at the barn when they came, so it would be our first solo encounter with him.  Mom and I, still being very green in our equine knowledge, had looks of sheer panic on our faces when he stepped out of the trailer. He was a fairly big horse, standing at 15.2 hands, and it felt as if an elephant had landed in the center of our lives. His massive size was nothing short of overwhelming, and I think the trainer could sense the apprehension on our faces as we stood nervously beside him, trembling with both excitement and fear.  Much to our great relief, she offered to help us guide him into the stall, and we breathed a sigh of gratefulness knowing that he was contained and safe from his two new and incompetent owners.

We talked for a few moments, going over last minute information, before parting ways. Now that we were on our own, Mom and I had a chance to prove that we were, in fact, capable of becoming true equestrians; but we were far from getting to that point and had much to learn.

 I was so proud to finally be the owner of this magnificent animal. For the first hour, I just stood there and stared at him, in awe of his presence and the adventure we were about to begin.  His big soulful eyes stared back at me, as if he were trying to say, “It’s OK. We’re in this together.” I knew in my heart that Eclipse sensed that we did not know the first thing about owning a horse, and yet, he had the patience of a saint and the heart of an angel as he submitted himself to my care. I spent the rest of the day glued to his side, stroking his silky black coat, whispering into his ear, and continually thanking God for bringing me the friend I had so desperately prayed would come into my life.

From that day, on I spent every possible moment I could at the barn with Eclipse. He was my ultimate escape from the harsh realities of the world, whether I was mounted on his back or simply grooming him. I talked to him constantly when we were circling the arena or standing in the barn, and I knew that he not only heard me, but that he understood me and loved me without question.  This was a horse that had ingrained in his psyche a sixth sense, an intuition that I was different from other riders, and that he needed to be extra cautious and gentle with me, not just in the saddle, but in every instance we were together. He respectfully let me lead him to and from the pasture, keeping a careful distance behind my walker so the lead rope would not get tangled in the wheels or around his feet.  He patiently stood by the mounting block as I mounted in a not-so-timely manner, and never flinched if my boot dragged across his hindquarters as I tried to get my leg over the saddle and into the stirrup. It was in these moments that I realized he was so much more than just a horse, and although he had only been in my life for a short time, I could tell that our bond was going to be unbreakable.

God put us together for an incredible journey, not just one of companionship, but one of purpose and meaning.  Even now, when I look into the eyes of my horse, I am constantly reminded of the blessings the Lord has bestowed on me.  Through Eclipse, God has shown me that challenges can be overcome, hardships can bring blessings, wounds can be healed, and life is more fun when you’re walking with hooves.