Today, July 15, is National I Love Horses Day! Officially, anyway. We all know that every day is a good day to love horses, but today is extra special because we can brag on and gush about our horses every waking moment and no one can tell us to stop. Isn’t that great?
Things We Love About Horses (and the horsey life):
- Velvety soft noses sniffing your pockets for treats
- Shiny summer coats
- Fluffy winter coats
- Gentle whinnies greeting you as you walk into the barn
- Planning your next show season
- The thrill of a cross-country ride
- The loyalty of an equine best friend
- The beauty of a mane flowing in the wind
- Fuzzy lips eating sugar cubes from your hand
- The scent of new leather tack
- The fun of a child’s first leadline class
- Mastering a difficult dressage move
- Taking a jump for the first time
- Watching horse movies
- Reading horse books
- Quiet trail rides, just you and your horse
- The friendships made at the barn–both horses and humans
- The incomparable delight of getting your first horse
- The soulfulness of deep brown eyes (or blue!)
- The awe-inspiring strength of an equine athlete
- Watching your horse play in her pasture
- The miracle of a foal being born, and…
- …the joyful sound of a foal’s first whinny
- Finding the “sweet spot” where your horse loves to be scratched
- The excitement of show prep and hitting the road
- The soothing ritual of grooming
- Devon!
- Exploring new equine sports
- Taking walks together
- Teaching your horse that [insert scary item] isn’t that bad
- The unbreakable bond between you and your horse
- Show ribbons fluttering merrily from a bridle
- The ears that will always listen and never judge
- The quirky habits that make you laugh every time
- The love you give and receive every day
Samantha Johnson is a freelance writer and the author of several books, including The Field Guide to Horses, (Voyageur Press, 2009). She raises Welsh Mountain Ponies in northern Wisconsin and is a certified horse show judge. Follow her on Twitter: @miraclewelsh.
I hope I hear the whinny of my first born foal…soon.
These are all great.
I like the way “I” feel when I am brushing them.
unconditional love they give you
great info! love them all!
Love them all.
Should add, the way a person feels just being around a horse.
Need to add “horse kisses!” Even the dirty ones!