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Those
of us in the Heart of Dixie Horse Lovers Club understand the tremendous responsibility given to us in the care of our equine companions.
The following seems to sum it up from the horse's point of view.
To thee, my master, I offer my prayer. Feed me, water and care for me,
and, when the day's work is done, provide me with shelter, a clean, dry
bed and stall wide enough for me to lie down in comfort.
Always
be kind to me. Your voice often means as much to me as the reins. Pet me
sometimes, that I may serve you the more gladly and learn to love you.
Do not jerk the reins, and do not whip me when going uphill. Never strike,
beat, or kick me when I do not understand what you want, but give me a
chance to understand you. Watch me, and if I fail to do your bidding, see
if something is not wrong with my harness or feet.
Do not check me so that I cannot have free use of my head. If you insist
that I wear blinders, so that I cannot see behind me as it was intended
I should, I pray you be careful that the blinders stand well out of my
eyes. Do not overload me, or hitch me where water will drip on me. Keep
me well shod. Examine my teeth when I do not eat; I may have an ulcerated
tooth, and that, you know, is very painful. Do not tie my head in an unnatural
position, or take away my best defense against flies and mosquitoes by
cutting off my tail.
I cannot tell you when I am thirsty, so give me clean, cool water often.
I cannot tell you in words when I am sick, so watch me, that by signs you
may know my condition. Give me all possible shelter from the hot sun, and
put a blanket on me, not when I am working, but when I am standing in the
cold. Never put a frosty bit in my mouth; first warm it by holding it a
moment in your hands.
I try to carry you and your burden without a murmur, and wait patiently
for you long hours of the day or night. Without the power to choose my
shoes or path, I sometimes fall on hard pavement which I have often prayed
might not be of wood but of such a nature as to give me safe and sure footing.
Remember that I must be ready at any moment to lose my life in your service.
And finally, OH MY MASTER, when my useful strength is gone, do not turn
me out to starve or freeze, or sell me to some cruel owner, to be slowly
tortured and starved to death; but do thou, My Master, take my life in
the kindest way, and your God will reward you here and hereafter. You will
not consider me irreverent if I ask this in the name of Him who was born
in a stable.
AMEN
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