I slowly mounted the steps into the stands of the arena and felt my breath catch in my throat. I was greeted first not by a voice of instruction blaring over a loudspeaker from a trainer, but instead by the sight of five horses' manes billowing behind them as they ran. Few things in this world are more graceful or awe-inspiring than a picture like this. I wasn't sure what to expect at this particular demonstration, but all expectations or ideas I had disappeared the moment I watched these horses in their natural state, free of any fears or worries and magically in tune with their "person." Leaning into the rail on the stairs, I continued to watch a form of communication between horse and human that up until that moment I wasn't sure was possible. I cannot quite put into words the effect it had on me other than to say it was incredibly beautiful and I spent the rest of the time viewing the demo behind a blurry veil of tears.

I had been waiting for a distinct inspiration for the next post and knew instantly that day at Celebrate the Horse that I had found it. Sus Kellogg (& co. -www.freehorsefarm.com) demonstrated a brand of horsemanship that left me not only inspired at their ability to communicate so naturally with their horses, but encouraged at the possibilities that exist with my own horse. And so it was for the entire weekend. The air this past weekend was filled not just with a love for all things equine, but a genuine and heartfelt respect for this magnificent creature. It's no secret that I can be easily brought to tears by my own horse and the love and appreciation I have for him...but to be touched by others who share a similar passion for them was refreshing. I felt completely at home and it served only to draw me closer to my own horse, grateful for his patience with me as I stumble along, clumsily attempting to communicate and connect with him.

More than this, I've come to realize that this process gives me the desire to better myself, to become a person worthy of such a selfless gift of devotion. I wonder how long people have misguidedly believed that we could force or make a horse do what we want it to. It's a notion I myself have been guilty of at times. But, as Sus put it this weekend, we cannot make a horse do anything, we can simply ask them to do what we have in mind. This kind of relationship can only serve to decrease frustration and increase our enjoyment of them.

Celebrate the Horse was more than a benefit for People Helping Horses - it was an educational event for the public. In this respect, I believe it more than accomplished its goal. Although completely exhausted at the end, I cannot imagine a better way to have spent my weekend. If only one person walked away with a newly developed or renewed respect for the horse, than it was time well-spent.

"You're the lucky one, so I've been told...as free as a wind blowin' down the road. Loved by many, hated by none...I'd say you were lucky 'cause I know what you've done. Not a care in the world, not a worry in sight, everything's gonna be alright...'cause you're the lucky one." - "Lucky One" ~ Alison Krauss