We are officially on Foal Watch for 2011! I’ve had couple of mares in just because I like to have them separated from the other mares that last month. With the weather we’ve been having 2 of the mares have been in the barn quite a bit. Last night was the first night we did night checks as the mare was acting nervous. But it must have just been the low pressure setting over us making her uncomfortable because we don’t have any foal this morning. But we are now less than 1 week away from due dates so the time is close! I love foaling season – it’s like unwrapping a package on Christmas morning! 🙂
Archive for March, 2011
Officially on Foal Watch!
Tuesday, March 29th, 2011The Prayer of a Horse
Saturday, March 12th, 2011I realized today that I have been very slack at keeping up with my blog! My intentions are good but time seems to get away from me. In looking through the July 1954 issue of American Shetland Pony Journal I found this poem reprinted –
The Prayer of a Horse
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 a stall wide enough for me to lie down in comfort. Talk 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 no jerk the reins and do no whip me when going up hill. Never strike, beat or kick me when I do not understand what you mean, 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.
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.
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 may not consider me irreverent if I ask this in the name of HIM who was born in a stable. Amen
There is no author given for the poem but the article says that the poem was printed and framed on a wall at the Willliam McKinley Stewarts at Grayslake, IL and through the courtesy of Mrs. Stewart, a copy was given to the Journal office. I think it’s a beautiful poem so aptly expressing what our horses/ponies must feel.