The bond between me and “my” pony is something that words cannot possibly do justice. I know her better than anything. We communicate without words, and yet my connection to her is stronger than that with any human. As I cluck to her though the bars of her stall, she raises her head, mouth still full of hay, chewing slowly. Her ears prick forward and she gives a soft nicker. That sound is like a blanket to my soul; warm and comforting. Suddenly all the stresses of the week are gone, and it’s just me and her. I have only known her for 2 years, but it feels as though we have been together for an eternity. I know I can trust her completely, even though I am young and make mistakes. She forgives. I remember each small marking on her; two socks on opposite hind and front legs, a stripe down her face, an old freeze brand which over the years has turned into nothing more than white blotches, and a dark brown spot on her hindquarters in the shape of a lopsided heart. It is the lopsided heart which is so special to me, because both of us are a bit lopsided in a way. She being 32 and the oldest pony, swaybacked and somehow strong enough to continue teaching children to ride. I being unschooled for most of my life and shy, still nervous to go out on my own. I think it must be the love that makes the two of us still so strong. I can’t even begin to imagine my life without her. Though someday she will pass, for the time being I will enjoy each moment I share with this wonderful loving creature who speaks to me on such a completely different level.
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Thank you for writing and posting this story, Becs. It is quite moving.
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