For as long as Barbara Hutson could remember, she dreamed of having a horse farm and of surrounding herself daily with these magical, mystical, and majestic creatures. Suddenly, she found herself living her lifelong dream. In Knowing Horses by Heart, she talks about the joys and challenges of owning horses. Her poems consider the life lessons she has learned-such as the value of patience and respect-while considering how worthwhile owning horses has been for her. Like most fantasies, the reality of our fondest wishes can be a bit more than we bargained for. Owning a horse farm is not all serene days gazing at horses playing in the field or peaceful rides into the sunsets. Horses are bigger than life. With that comes events that are also tremendous in size and impact which lends richness and color to the fabric of our life story. Fully illustrated, Knowing Horses by Heart shares through poetry some of the knowledge Barbara has accumulated through her equine encounters. Little Girl Giggles The gift is sweeter than that very first kiss Seeing those looks of sheer wonder and bliss There is nothing quite like watching the eyes Of a child as she squeals with excited cries As the magic of real horses fills up the space The look of pure amazement covers her face . . .

Knowing Horses by Heart

A Collection of Poems Written with Appreciation for the Horses in My WorldBy Barbara J. Hutson

iUniverse, Inc.

Copyright © 2012 Barbara J. Hutson
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4759-3919-4

Contents

1. A Ride in the Snow...................................12. Aromatherapy.........................................53. Ask a Mare...........................................94. Barnyard Glamour.....................................135. Birth of a Foal......................................196. Built for Comfort, Not for Speed.....................23Equi-Accidents..........................................27Folk Remedy.............................................35Hanging Out.............................................39Horsework before Housework..............................43Little Girl Giggles.....................................51Poetry in Motion........................................55The Art of Saying Goodbye...............................59Tough Choices...........................................63When I was a Kid........................................67Yep, I Spoil My Horse...................................73

Chapter One

    A Ride in the Snow


    I walked down the hill to the barn where my horses are found
    On a clear winter's morning with fresh snow on the ground

    I heard the soft nickers greeting me from the stalls
    I saw the halters all hanging from the hooks on the walls

    I made up a warm mash to chase off the chill
    And stood listening to them eating as hungry horses will

    I really had no intention of riding that day
    Just doing my chores then going my way

    I suddenly felt an old memory deep inside of me stir
    Was it really so wonderful? I had to be sure

    I walked over to the stall where my favorite mare stood
    And right then and there decided I would

    When she had finished her breakfast and her belly was full
    I snapped on her lead rope and gently gave it a pull

    I saddled her up and we headed on out
    Feeling that it is times like this are what it's about

    Just me and my horse the world silent and white
    Quietly trotting out to meet the day's first light

    She was tossing her head and wanting to go
    Excited to be travelling on the year's first snow

    At first I was worried, afraid she would slip
    But she told me in her way, she was up for the trip

    So, I loosened the reins and away we did fly
    I couldn't have stopped her - I didn't try

    The snow was flying and the sky turning blue
    When I realized this ride belonged to her too

    I knew she was having even more fun than me
    We both felt the thrill you feel being free

    Her mane was blowing back as she kicked up her heels
    I knew she was remembering how a young filly feels

    The reason I know what I'm saying is true
    Is because I was feeling like a young girl too

    It had been a very long time, a good many years
    Since I had turned it all loose, put away all my fears

    I trusted her to carry me safely that day
    To the place deep inside me where old memories lay

    To a time I was young, carefree and bold
    Before I turned 50, before she was sold

    Back to a time when my very first horse and me
    Ran alone in the snow with me laughing with glee

    It all came back to me on that morning ride
    Tears of a pure youthful joy I could no longer hide

    I slowed my horse down and as we wandered along
    The crunch of the snow played out like a song

    There's nothing else like it, no music so sweet
    As the rhythm beat out by my mare's four feet

    Add to the mix my dog running happily astride
    I felt the grin on my face stretching ever so wide

    When it was over and I quietly walked at her side
    I silently thanked her again for the wonderful ride

    I gave her an apple for the new memory I'll keep
    I buried my face in her neck and breathed in deep

    There's no better smell anywhere on this earth
    There's no way to explain just what it is worth

    I turned her loose and away up the hill she did run
    Glistening and golden in the mid-morning sun

    It's a magical thing, a treasure I know
    To have such vivid memories of a ride in the snow


    Aromatherapy

    You may think me crazy
    And that may be true
    But one of my favorite smells
    Just may surprise you

    It's not the heady aroma
    That comes from the flowers
    That fills up the air
    After warm spring showers

    It is not exotic perfumes
    Rich potpourri or spice
    Those aren't the things
    That make me sniff twice

    It's not fresh bread baking
    Although, it comes close
    I will tell you what scent
    I love the most

    It's when I bury my face
    In my horse's neck
    That makes me all giddy
    That makes me a wreck

    I can't explain just what
    That smell does to me
    But it makes my heart skip
    And it fills me with glee

    So warm and so earthy
    I know of nothing so good
    I would bottle and sell it
    If only I could

    I take deep breaths
    I just can't get enough
    I don't know why, but
    I love that stuff

    Maybe it's because it
    Makes it all real
    I have...