Photo courtesy of Petronella02, Photobucket

Have you ever taken one of those quizzes that ask, “What animal most closely represents you?”  I was driving home from the barn last night pondering this very topic, and surprised myself with my revelation.  I have answered this question, or some variation of it, many times over the years.  Maybe I never thought about it that closely, or maybe my perspective has changed.  Either way, last night I realized that if I were asked that question right now, my answer would be the horse.  I am transparent and cannot be dishonest – one look into my eyes and you can see right through me.  If you communicate clearly and fairly with me, only then will I “get” what you truly want from me, as I don’t understand games or agendas.  Put me in a wide open space and I will run and play, but when it’s time to bridle up and work I’m focused and ready.  I am strong and powerful and can carry a friend for miles if I need or want to.   Yet I am delicate – a wrong step and I might break, anxiety will find my belly churning.  I might kick out if you approach too fast and if you restrain me too firmly, I’ll surely pull back, break the ties, and be gone before you know what went wrong.  But my heart is pure and my spirit is strong and I would trek through the desert with no water for the partner that appreciates that about me.

 I wonder, do I identify these traits in horses because the qualities represent me or do I connect so strongly with horses because they mirror my soul?  When you think of the essence of the horse, do you think of the same images as I do?  Would you say that the horse represents you better than any other animal?    If so, do you think that you are drawn to horses because you have those similar traits or does your relationship with your horse develop them?  If you’re not a horse person, do you feel that your traits mirror those of your favorite pet?