A Horse Happily Humbled Me

On a Sunday, while visiting my friend Laura, on her farm, she asked me if I wanted to ride one of their horses. The last time I had this experience I was a teen and recalled it being both exhilarating and exhausting. I was assigned to Willy: a large, 16 year-old. I got to know him a little in the process of grooming with various brushes and thought - this is a noble animal! I was impressed at his incredible musculature. The patience and tolerance exhibited by this +-1500 lb. being- allowing me to put things in his mouth and around his neck! I forgot to ask his height ("hands") but I had to use a stand and later a fence for mounting. Willy's grace in the field was only amiss once- when he stepped on my foot! This in itself was humbling as well and a vivid reminder of the mass and power of this fellow creature of Earth. After the cool down procedures, the treats of carrots and an apple served as an unspoken "Thanks" to Willy. I drove home that afternoon feeling very serene. It seems clear we humans are but a small part of the whole of nature- welcome if we are respectful.