Dear Horses: A Christmas Card To My Herd

Our family has written a lot of Christmas cards this season. Between my Mom, my sister, and me, we have surely sent out almost a hundred. They will travel both near and far to reach our family and friends across the country. Many are to people who have been there for us, in the good and in the bad, down through the years. Christmas is a time when we want to let those we love know how much they mean to us. And sometimes it’s not just people that help carry us through life. And this Christmas, I began thinking of what I would write in a Christmas card to my herd if they could read one. I think it would go something like this:

Merry Christmas, Dear Special Horses,

     I don’t know how I would’ve gotten through these last few years without you all. You, my herd, have supported and mended my heart over and over. You have rejoiced with me even when you didn’t understand what we were celebrating. You have comforted me while I wept, even though you didn’t cause the pain. You have taught me that presence can be more important than words and that love is proven through consistency and actions. You’ve shown me that getting excited over something as simple as the sun coming out or snowflakes falling is what makes the everyday sweet. And I’ve seen how feeling deeply, but forgiving quickly, is what keeps our hearts soft. You’re teaching me to breathe, listen, and observe in every moment. You challenge me to grow stronger, to look at things from a different perspective, and to be calm in the face of doubt and questions. It has always been my dream to have you, and now it is my enduring dream to know you better and better, that our communication may be fluid and clear. Each of you holds a special place in my heart.

Dear Dolly,

You have been my rock from the moment you came into my life all those years ago. You are the horse that taught me to ride and together we get to share that incredible experience with so many others! You are always the calm in the storm, the one I can trust with my life in every situation. We have galloped through lush springtime fields. We have played in the fog of early summer mornings. We have walked through swaying Autumn forests. We have trotted through worlds made white and sparkling by winter. Throughout the seasons, you have proved again and again that you are a one in a million. 

Dear Cutter,

You are my first horse - the answer to a little girl’s prayers, the dream-come-true I waited for. We have taken so many amazing journeys as we grew, discovered, and embraced life together. Thank you for all those wonderful rides we took together, for the ‘conversations’ we have, for moments that took my breath away. And even though we are no longer horse and rider, you are forever my beautiful, sweet girl. You have walked through every stage of life with grace and purpose. I love our times together, the kisses you give, and the moments we share that are still so sweet and precious to me.

Dear Reina,

The first horse I ever trained to ride - I adore your zest for life, your curiosity, your absolute wonder for the world around you. Every day with you is a happy adventure that makes me excited to see what the day will bring. I have gotten to see you overcome fears and traumas. I’ve seen you grow and mature into a true riding horse. I’ve felt your joy of living out your dream of being a lesson horse like Dolly! You and I have gotten to grow together in so many ways. With your big expressive eyes and your big loving heart, you capture us all, bringing us smiles, laughter, and adventure.

Dear Dixie,

Having you come into my life this summer has been the highlight of my year. Thank you for all the incredible times we have already had together. You have captured my heart and completed our herd. I cannot wait to see what our years together will bring. In the short time you have been here, you have thrilled me and challenged me in the best possible ways. From riding you under saddle to driving you with your cart, your exuberance and dedication is so clear. You are always ready to go with an energy that is contagious. You make me smile, you make me laugh, and you’re making me a better rider day by day.

 Each one of you is my absolute favorite, and I love you all from the bottom of my heart. May you know how treasured you are! You are my world, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Merry Christmas to some of the best horses in the world!