Horses in Poetry: A Poem
Why I Love Horses
The Kentucky Derby ran with Justify claiming a victory over the other colts in the race, and the fabulous creature would go on to be a Triple Crown winner. I watched and recalled all my experiences with these majestic beasts. My grandfather owned a horse and mule and as children, we would feed them out in the stable. His horse could be moody, but the mule had a pleasant disposition. I cherish those memories.
I remember the sad day Grandfather had to send them away. He said they were old and needed to die with dignity. They were taken to a place for aging animals to live out the rest of their days. Grandfather bought a tractor for the farm.
This poem is written for horse lovers; those of us who have had a relationship with these majestic creatures. My wife and I both rode horses for awhile and we still attend local horse shows at the county fairgrounds. Enjoy: The Jockey and His Horse Retires.
What activity do you enjoy watching or participating in with horses?
The Jockey and His Horse Retires
Chasing blowing wind she would not excel,
Dreams put to sleep my saddened dry pillow,
Star light stable hoisting her to small fame,
Nightmares taught her to buck beyond willow.
Her light illuminated arenas,
Fans tossing dusty kisses at her trot,
Famous canter revolved around trophies,
Galloping to first place adorned her not.
Milky white drinking speed in her stern hooves,
To cascading applause she reigned in grace,
Circus ovations throughout the nation,
Pastures and stables now fancy her pace.
“Shall I read you Sandberg, dearest of mares?
A trip to take with Browning esteemed guest?”
She pawed the grassy ground fully brooding,
Lifting her head declining any quest.
Sister said, “She is not a bitter nag,
Old, tired, and needing retirement,
Placid lake bountiful forests surrounds,
Her emerald well-kept environment.”
They put her away; she put me away,
Borders in rooms with and without walls,
My mount a chair metallic legs and wheels,
My track wooden floors in nursing home halls.
Ah! But Asgard gods promised man and horse,
Riches never to be given freely,
Dishonesty brought the apocalypse,
Ride again we will when they can’t see me.
Four Horsemen will plead for her stout back,
Native People will stroke her lustrous mane,
Cowboys will bargain for her mighty strength,
As we travel the Trails of Gold with saints.
What breed of horse do you like?
fun Facts About Horses
- People in America love horses whether they are racing, performing at shows, or have encountered some injury. The cultural importance of horses to Americans encourages a respectful attitude toward the animals. Indeed, there are approximately 7 million people involved in the horse industry in the United States, and there are about 200 million horse owners, according to some estimates. Horses At the nonprofit, Flurry’s Hope – Blind Horse Rescue, are taken care of with tenderness although they cannot see. This rescue is believed to be the only one in the country which helps horses with loss vision. In a suburb of Los Angeles, horses are helping to remind the general public that people of color played a part in developing America through the Compton Posse, another nonprofit. The Spanish mustang herd found at Corolla, N.C. became the symbol for the state’s horse in 2010. (See links below.)
- A horse can run usually a few hours after birth. The height of these animals is measured in “Hands,” which is four inches. As a species, males have more teeth than females. Coincidentally, a horse’s teeth take up more room in its head than does its brain. Truthfully, horses can sleep standing up, and horses are grazers.
References
Corolla Wild Horse Fund. Retrieved May 12, 2018, from: https://www.corollawildhorses.com/
compton-jr-posse. Retrieved May 12, 2018, from: https://www.comptonjrposse.org/
Flurry's Hope Blind Horse Rescue, Madison, North Carolina. Retrieved May 12, 2018, from: http://secondchanceranchnc.com/
© 2018 Tim Truzy
Comments
AUTHORLast week, I visited one of the barrier islands along the coast of Virg. and MD. This place was Assateague. We saw a mare nursing a foal and took some pictures. It was really fun. It was quite an adventure which I hope to do again. Thanks for reading.
Tim
- AUTHOR
Hi, Nell,
I read it really takes leg strength to stay on a horse for a considerable amount of time. I can see why you were cautioned to avoid doing so.
However, I've seen circus acts, acrobats flipping from horse to horse, almost a ballet.
I'm glad you made a great decision. Otherwise, I would miss your wonderful sense of humor and great writing as well as your supportive attitude toward the HP community.
Thanks again for another visit.
Much respect and admiration,
Tim
That was great Tim! I loved horses when I was little, only I did ballet quite seriously, and they said no horse riding! argh! lol! brought back memories!
- AUTHOR
One of the things I learned about these creatures: If you want a stable relationship, there is no substitute for a horse. All joking aside, a horse's heart can weigh ten pounds! That's a lot of lovin' indeed! Just don't walk behind a horse, you may get a kick out of life. Literally.
Thanks for reading.
Tim
- AUTHOR
For the holiday last week, I had an opportunity to visit a friend of mine in TX. We rode at a ranch a few miles away. I had the pleasure of riding a Spanish mustang. I learned the Spanish mustangs were bred for endurance. My guide Vicky at the Karma Farms, the ranch, was very helpful.
My wife loved it as much as I did. In the process, I can see how horses and their jockeys become so close.
Frankly, if I could have spent more time with the horse I was riding named Benita, I could see a bond building.
Sincerely,
Tim
- AUTHOR
Thank you, Berlie,
I appreciate your kind comment.
Sincerely,
Tim
'The Jockey and His Horse Retires': What a beautiful poem and page Tim! The photos are stunning.
- AUTHOR
Thanks, Jo. Reading your wonderful article about the famous Native American lady made me remember how Native People really had a special relationship with horses. Thank you for partly inspiring me and reminding me of the fondness I have for these majestic creatures.
Sincerely,
Tim
- AUTHOR
Thanks, Hollie. I always believe we can learn so much from God's creatures. We are a people with passion; we are all one humanity. However, we try and try like horses. We will get it right someday. :)
Beautiful poem and photos and a lovely tribute to your childhood memories. Thanks for sharing this.
A beautiful poem with elegant word play. It clearly shows you're dedicated to nature, as well as your passions for horses. :)
- AUTHOR
Curiously enough, when I started writing this poem, I was contemplating the nobility of horses, as Sean stated. I reread the poem by Carl Sandberg 1857-(1967), entitled: “Horse Fiddle Poem.” I also reread the work by Robert Browning, entitled: How They Brought the Good News of Ghent to Aix. They both were inspirations for this poem, but I wanted something a little in between these two.
It didn’t occur to me until after I wrote this poem that “Browning” also refers to a type of weapon – Was my character considering suicide after losing his horse? Or was he planning to read a poem? Or both? The emotions and the experience did not reveal such knowledge to the author either as I wrote this.
The jockey mentions Asgard, the mythical home of the gods of Norway because the paradise fell after dishonest dealings with a man and his horse. The character apparently felt cheated in some way as well.
I mentioned the Four Horsemen of the biblical end-times because I think every person who loves their horse feels their animal is a champion, capable of the mightiest of tasks, even if the horse never wins any competition. Just a glimpse into my thoughts I wanted to share.
Thanks.
Sincerely,
Tim
- AUTHOR
Manatita,
My wife used to ride horses and did some competition at horse shows. When I was young, I didn't follow the horse races much, but now, they are fun to watch.
Sometimes, when my grandfather's horse was particularly nice, I would chat with him. He seemed to respond to my questions with snorts and little head gestures. I always laughed because I think he thought he was human. His name was Zeus, and he certainly thought he ran the farm.
Thanks again.
Comments from all of you inspire pleasant memories. Much respect,
Sincerely,
Tim
- AUTHOR
Thanks, Sean,
We like to visit the herd at Corolla because they are in a beach area. I'm glad my work and Lori's pictures helped to bring memories to you.
As always,
Thanks for your comment.
Sincerely,
Tim
- AUTHOR
Thanks, Nikki. I do love these animals. They have contributed so much to humanity over the last four thousand years.
I appreciate your positive comment.
Sincerely,
Tim
Some elegant and majestic-looking horses and a great poem. With my grandfather it was Optune, Pontious Pilate and Captain Carlos.
With my father in NY it was Affirm and Alydar. Always neck and neck. Steve Cauthen was around then. Excellent work!
A noble poem, for a noble animal, from a noble heart. Thank you, my brother, for the beauty of this poem. I always loved these great animals. For a reason, I never managed to explain; I always felt that horses are more clear expressions of God than other animals! And they have healing abilities too! They use horses for therapeutical reasons!
I will never forget the picture of a herd of wild horses we met on a Greek mountain when I was ten years old. They were running free, and that was magical to me.
Thank you for reminding me this picture!
Much Love!
Sean
I just loved to read about different kinds of horses, and your poetry added more charm to their beauty.
I love watching them racing and riding for pleasure.Thanks for sharing such great informative insights about them.
Happy Mother’s day! bless you and your family always!
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