Horses are good for the soul. No matter if I am riding, working with, visiting or just observing our horses I am always uplifted. There is something about a horse's essence that brings forth emotions of wellness mixed with awe. Inner joy and smiling with one's heart are also benefits of sharing space with these majestic creatures.

Just the other day I was down at the barn moving hay and preparing to feed. The newest spell of cold air was finally coming in after weeks of smoke and heat. A fair covering of wet earth was still present from the recent rain storm. Our horses were excited and feeling pretty good. Recent napping in the sun mixed with full bellies left them wanting to play.

I stopped a moment to observe their behavior. The five of them were running back and forth in front of our barn. An area that is not very big. I would say the size of a small corral. They proceeded to buck and twist, kicking up their hooves.

A few of them kept rearing up on their hind ends. Extending up to their full height and jabbing out with their front legs. Upon dropping down and returning to the earth they would immediately bolt off at a run.

These moments of enormous amounts of energy being exerted were immediately followed by them all becoming still. They would stand there with heads and tails raised while a couple of them proceeded to snort and exert huge puffs of air.

I could not help but get caught up in the moment. Smiling and laughing, I found myself joining in on the round of snorting. Of course this only brought out more running, jumping and spinning.

Feeling our horse's excitement I decided to open the gate for them to our extra pasture. As they followed me to the gate I could feel their excitement building.

Upon opening the gate they kept their cool, walking cautiously through until the last horse emerged into the open expanse. With that they all took off at a dead run. The draw of tracking up the fresh dirt pulled their hooves to travel faster and faster still. Their passion and excitement was reignited.

I watched in awe. A huge smile on my face as I shared in their excitement. I could not help but stand there and observe until the last horse gave in to the temptation of finding remnants of green grass amidst the dry stems from a hot, dry summer.

As I returned to my chores the excitement carried with me. I found myself humming a tune as I filled hay nets. I moved with a certain lightness in my step. The air suddenly smelled sweeter and the sky carried a deeper shade of blue. A subtle sense of renewed joy filled my heart.

I relate this story to you in hopes of invoking your own personal inspiration. Whether it be from observing horses carrying on restlessly or watching a child as they discover some new wondrous thing. Let their excitement fill you. May your smile deepen and your heart lift. May you find your own self laughing just because.

Happy Trails!

Eric

Easton Horsemanship