I 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.