Those of us who own and ride horses are usually aware, on some level, that the connection between human and equine possesses a rare spiritual quality. More so than most animals, the horse's role is that of a true servant. It overcomes its own strong animal instincts to carry us into places, and to do things, from which it would ordinarily flee. Like any servant, the horse may be willing or reluctant, trustworthy or unreliable, interested more or less in his/her own welfare than in ours. . .and possess any other number of good or less desirable characteristics. Some of these attitudes and habits are a result of relationship and training, some are inborn - most result from various combinations of 'nature and nurture.'

The servant/master relationship between humans and equines reflects important aspects of the servant/Master relationship that we humans share with God, our Maker. The 'Horse-pirationals(tm)' in this section of the Gaits of Gold website are intended as food for spiritual thought. May God bless your meditation upon them as He leads you toward a more perfectly obedient, fruitful, and satisfying, relationship with Him.

-Brenda Imus