For as long as Barbara Hutson could remember, she dreamed of having a horse farm and of surrounding herself daily with these magical, mystical, and majestic creatures. Suddenly, she found herself living her lifelong dream. In Knowing Horses by Heart, she talks about the joys and challenges of owning horses. Her poems consider the life lessons she has learned-such as the value of patience and respect-while considering how worthwhile owning horses has been for her. Like most fantasies, the reality of our fondest wishes can be a bit more than we bargained for. Owning a horse farm is not all serene days gazing at horses playing in the field or peaceful rides into the sunsets. Horses are bigger than life. With that comes events that are also tremendous in size and impact which lends richness and color to the fabric of our life story. Fully illustrated, Knowing Horses by Heart shares through poetry some of the knowledge Barbara has accumulated through her equine encounters. Little Girl Giggles The gift is sweeter than that very first kiss Seeing those looks of sheer wonder and bliss There is nothing quite like watching the eyes Of a child as she squeals with excited cries As the magic of real horses fills up the space The look of pure amazement covers her face . . .
Knowing Horses by Heart
A Collection of Poems Written with Appreciation for the Horses in My WorldBy Barbara J. HutsoniUniverse, Inc.
Copyright © 2012 Barbara J. Hutson
All right reserved.ISBN: 978-1-4759-3919-4Contents
1. A Ride in the Snow...................................12. Aromatherapy.........................................53. Ask a Mare...........................................94. Barnyard Glamour.....................................135. Birth of a Foal......................................196. Built for Comfort, Not for Speed.....................23Equi-Accidents..........................................27Folk Remedy.............................................35Hanging Out.............................................39Horsework before Housework..............................43Little Girl Giggles.....................................51Poetry in Motion........................................55The Art of Saying Goodbye...............................59Tough Choices...........................................63When I was a Kid........................................67Yep, I Spoil My Horse...................................73
Chapter One
A Ride in the Snow I walked down the hill to the barn where my horses are found
On a clear winter's morning with fresh snow on the ground
I heard the soft nickers greeting me from the stalls
I saw the halters all hanging from the hooks on the walls
I made up a warm mash to chase off the chill
And stood listening to them eating as hungry horses will
I really had no intention of riding that day
Just doing my chores then going my way
I suddenly felt an old memory deep inside of me stir
Was it really so wonderful? I had to be sure
I walked over to the stall where my favorite mare stood
And right then and there decided I would
When she had finished her breakfast and her belly was full
I snapped on her lead rope and gently gave it a pull
I saddled her up and we headed on out
Feeling that it is times like this are what it's about
Just me and my horse the world silent and white
Quietly trotting out to meet the day's first light
She was tossing her head and wanting to go
Excited to be travelling on the year's first snow
At first I was worried, afraid she would slip
But she told me in her way, she was up for the trip
So, I loosened the reins and away we did fly
I couldn't have stopped her - I didn't try
The snow was flying and the sky turning blue
When I realized this ride belonged to her too
I knew she was having even more fun than me
We both felt the thrill you feel being free
Her mane was blowing back as she kicked up her heels
I knew she was remembering how a young filly feels
The reason I know what I'm saying is true
Is because I was feeling like a young girl too
It had been a very long time, a good many years
Since I had turned it all loose, put away all my fears
I trusted her to carry me safely that day
To the place deep inside me where old memories lay
To a time I was young, carefree and bold
Before I turned 50, before she was sold
Back to a time when my very first horse and me
Ran alone in the snow with me laughing with glee
It all came back to me on that morning ride
Tears of a pure youthful joy I could no longer hide
I slowed my horse down and as we wandered along
The crunch of the snow played out like a song
There's nothing else like it, no music so sweet
As the rhythm beat out by my mare's four feet
Add to the mix my dog running happily astride
I felt the grin on my face stretching ever so wide
When it was over and I quietly walked at her side
I silently thanked her again for the wonderful ride
I gave her an apple for the new memory I'll keep
I buried my face in her neck and breathed in deep
There's no better smell anywhere on this earth
There's no way to explain just what it is worth
I turned her loose and away up the hill she did run
Glistening and golden in the mid-morning sun
It's a magical thing, a treasure I know
To have such vivid memories of a ride in the snow
Aromatherapy You may think me crazy
And that may be true
But one of my favorite smells
Just may surprise you
It's not the heady aroma
That comes from the flowers
That fills up the air
After warm spring showers
It is not exotic perfumes
Rich potpourri or spice
Those aren't the things
That make me sniff twice
It's not fresh bread baking
Although, it comes close
I will tell you what scent
I love the most
It's when I bury my face
In my horse's neck
That makes me all giddy
That makes me a wreck
I can't explain just what
That smell does to me
But it makes my heart skip
And it fills me with glee
So warm and so earthy
I know of nothing so good
I would bottle and sell it
If only I could
I take deep breaths
I just can't get enough
I don't know why, but
I love that stuff
Maybe it's because it
Makes it all real
I have...