An anxious horse is one
that really struggles to get though the day.
He’s really not that nasty
and is quite happy eating hay.
He’s friendly and he’s gentle
but in his heart lies fear.
You may not see it clearly
but careful, watch his ear.
His body language is subtle
you may not see his cues
but deep down in his heart of hearts
he really has the blues.
When something comes along
that really makes him shudder,
sometimes his owner has to give up
and goes and buys another!
A horse with fear inside his soul
can wear it inside or out.
Some horses easily show it;
if they’re worried you’ll never have a doubt!
Then other types show it differently
They often hide fear within.
It can take a special person
to help them feel good again.
The thing about the anxious horse
is they really want to try,
sometimes when they can’t speak human
they tell it with a shy!
They can be misunderstood
and thought of as misbehaving
when all they’ve really wanted
is to fill a life long craving.
They want to go out and enjoy the sun,
they want to enjoy their rides
but it’s really hard to behave themselves
when feeling so worried on the inside.
They love their human with all their heart
and are gentle on the ground
but it can be super hard for them
when no one who speaks “horse” is around.
Instead they arch their back and buck
or back away from you,
maybe they rear up vertically
if you haven’t got a clue.
They’re labeled dangerous and dirty
or “Do not touch that horse”
when sometimes all they really need
is to be understood of course!
The fear escapes from every pore,
they do not have a voice.
They’re often made to do things that freak them out,
they do not have a choice.
While the people who ride these anxious beasts
may often love them like a child,
they cannot always make the horse
become so meek and mild.
They think that they have failed some how
or even bought a dud!
They’re sometimes wondering what the hell
as their body hits the earth with a thud!
So you ask, how we can begin
to be the change they need?
To help the horses quietly screaming,
to be re-labeled trusty steed.
To learn to understand the horse
is quite an art, you see
I’m sure that horses near and far
will be grateful to be free!
When anxiety is going through their mind
and they’re feeling not quite right,
it’s up to us to listen and be kind
or they’re likely to put up a fight.
There are many ways to teach the horse
how to breathe and to relax.
Wouldn’t you rather they had these skills
Before you mount their backs?
When a horse learns how to calm themselves
and soothe their troubled mind,
you’ll be amazed at the connections built
but don’t rush, these things take time.
And once you’ve found the secret to creating these settled steeds;
You’ll never look back on what you had.
You’ll give them what they need!
For a happy horse with happy mind
is truly a vision to see!
Real partnerships can be hard to find
most are dictatorships you see.
When horse and rider take the time
to listen to the others’ heart;
You’ll have to redo all that was done
and begin right at the start.
Teach them well and take it slow
we’re not in a rush, you see;
For only when anxiety leaves the horse
Can they ever be truly free!