The Love of Horses

Often people ask me why I love horses so much. They see me doing barn chores and wonder why I would do that job on a daily basis. Let’s face it, a lot of women don’t enjoy dirt, flies, and horse poop. Some women don’t even enjoy physical labor and hard work outside. But this girl does!

Taking care of horses brings me so much joy. When I am mucking stalls, I am usually in prayer time with God or listening to music. It’s my time to be with the most magnificent creatures I believe God created.

For many people, all they see is a girl who loves to work outside and be around horses. But for me, it goes much deeper than that.

You may have heard that horses are amazing for therapy. Does equine therapy ring a bell? You’re not wrong. They truly are. But you don’t need to be in an equine therapy session to receive the benefits that horses have to offer.

You see, horses show extreme levels of emotional intelligence. They know what we are feeling on the inside better than we do. They are able to pick up on your emotions so incredibly, and oftentimes will respond giving you exactly what you need in that moment. They can read body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice.

While there is so much science behind the horse and how they can do this, I believe it all boils down to how God created them and how God uses them in our lives to touch us and speak to us.

When I am feeling anxious, I can try to hide it as much as I want from my horses, but they will know exactly what’s going on. They sometimes will even mirror it, and that’s why it’s important to stay calm and collected when riding. You may have heard that being anxious and freaking out on horseback is not the best move. All you will do is frighten them because these herd animals need a leader. And a confident one at that!

Another fun fact is that horses can hear your heartbeat from 4 feet away. Not only can they do that, but horses in the wild will synchronize their heartbeats to the rest of their herd so they can sense danger more quickly. This means they can synchronize their heartbeat with you and sense your emotions as well.

I have seen horses impact people before my very eyes, and I have experienced it for myself. They always know what I need and love me in ways I can’t put into words. The power behind the love of a horse can only be described as them exemplifying the love of God. It’s indescribable, unfathomable, unconditional, and so powerful.

Horses see me for who I really am, and so does my Heavenly Father. I pray that I have eyes to see the way God sees so that I can view others with compassion and be able to love them in the ways they need it, too - just as my horses do.

Journal Prompt:

What does God’s love look like to you? When do you feel His presence the most?

Ref: 1 John 4:16, 1 Corinthians 13