[Fwd: CTR: RE: Horse Prayer]

[Patrick Allen <jfhr@inetworld.net>]

RkyMtnHrse@aol.com wrote:

> The Horses Prayer
>
> O thee, my master, I offer my prayer. Feed me, water and care for me, and,
> when the day's work is done, provide me with shelter, a clean, dry bed and
> stall wide enough for me to lie down in comfort.
>
> Always be kind to me. Your voice often means as much to me as the reins. Pet
> me sometimes, that I may serve you the more gladly and learn to love you. Do
> not jerk the reins, and do not whip me when going uphill. Never strike, beat
> or kick me when I do not understand what you want, but give me a chance to
> understand you. Watch me, and if I fail to do your bidding, see if something
> is not wrong with my harness or feet.
>
> Do no check me so that I cannot have free use of my head. If you insist that I
> wear blinders, so that I cannot see behind me as it was intended I should, I
> pray you be careful that the blinders stand well out of my eyes. Do not
> overload me , or hitch me where water will drip on me. Keep me well shod.
> Examine my teeth when I do not eat; I may have an ulcerated tooth, and that,
> you know is very painful. Do not tie my head in an unnatural position, or take
> away my best defense against flies and mosquitoes by cutting off my tail.
>
> I cannot tell you when I am thirsty, so give me clean, cool water often. Save
> me, by all means in your power from that fatal disease - the glanders. I
> cannot tell you in words when I am sick, so watch me, that by signs you may
> know my condition. Give me all possible shelter from the hot sun, and put a
> blanket on me, not when I am working, but when I am standing in the cold.
> Never put a frosty bit in my mouth; first warm it by holding it a moment in
> your hands.
>
> I try to carry you and your burden without a murmur, and wait patiently for
> you long hours of the day or night. Without the power to choose my shoes or
> path, I sometimes fall on hard pavement which I have often prayed might not be
> of wood but of such a nature as to give me safe and sure footing. Remember
> that I must be ready at any moment to lose my life in your service.
>
> And finally, OH MY MASTER, when my useful strength is gone, do not turn me out
> to starve or freeze, or sell me to some cruel owner, to be slowly tortured and
> starved to death; but do thou My Master, take my life in the kindest way, and
> your God will reward you here and hereafter. You will not consider me
> irreverent if I ask this in the name of Him who was born in a stable.
>
> Amen


=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net.    
Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/RideCamp   
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=