by Taryn Bentley

Created on: April 21, 2009

Can a girl and a horse be of kindred spirits? Spirits that dance around, free of divorce, hardship, loss, and insecurities. And maybe, just maybe, is why girls and horses bond so intimately. They are not predators, devouring their next meal. They are free and run fast, in social circles, full of wonder, curiosity , abandon. As a child, that was me. Free of my parent's and the world's problems, full of life and love for horses. They accepted me, without criticism. They taught me trust, balance, and acceptance. Horses provided me with unconditional love that to this day, pull me back when I'm feeling down or needing to feel more of God's presence and acceptance in my life.

As a high schooler, I was continually drawn to my commitment to my horses. Some time was saved for social activities and fun with friends, but the real time was made for my horse. Boys were here and there, but no real problems, thanks to my horses and their need to be cared for and nourished every day. That kept me from getting in trouble and going there with other classmates. Getting my horse and myself perfectly ready for that next show was the priority of that time and as an adult, I've realized the expense that my Mom and Dad paid over the years; especially my Mom.I found myself completely immersed in the horse world, probably, a good thing from the stories I later heard at high school reunions. Once I became this kindred spirit to the horse, my world seemed separated from people, places, and things. My friends would say, "Oh, she's in her own world, " but little did they know I was dancing and running with my kindred spirit, the horse; free of anxiety, fear, depression and drama. I was being carried, far away from the created problems of humanity. I was free, and able to come and go as I please; not locked into the socal norms or clicks. My horse, my kindred spirit, led a way for me that kept me honest, trusting, and accepting for many years (at least until I moved away for university). Although her spirit lives in me and pulls me out of the economy blues, the grief of life, and the fears that we humans have.

The lessons that horses teach and the lessons that women, once girls, bring to the world are in harmony and are pure. When one spends time with a horse, there's no need to lie or make up stories. Horses let you know what is truth and what isn't. Their spirits dance to prehistoric earth rhythms as girls change from girls to young women and fall in love the first time, utterly trusting in their first love's intentions. Horses show us God's love and the light that these spirits bring to our lives. As girls we love horses, as women we cherish and appreciate them to no end.

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