For as long as Barbara Hutson could remember, she dreamed of having a horse farm and of surrounding herself daily with these magical, mystical, and majestic creatures. Suddenly, she found herself living her lifelong dream. In Knowing Horses by Heart, she talks about the joys and challenges of owning horses. Her poems consider the life lessons she has learned-such as the value of patience and respect-while considering how worthwhile owning horses has been for her. Like most fantasies, the reality of our fondest wishes can be a bit more than we bargained for. Owning a horse farm is not all serene days gazing at horses playing in the field or peaceful rides into the sunsets. Horses are bigger than life. With that comes events that are also tremendous in size and impact which lends richness and color to the fabric of our life story. Fully illustrated, Knowing Horses by Heart shares through poetry some of the knowledge Barbara has accumulated through her equine encounters. Little Girl Giggles The gift is sweeter than that very first kiss Seeing those looks of sheer wonder and bliss There is nothing quite like watching the eyes Of a child as she squeals with excited cries As the magic of real horses fills up the space The look of pure amazement covers her face . . .

Knowing Horses by Heart

A Collection of Poems Written with Appreciation for the Horses in My WorldBy Barbara J. Hutson

iUniverse, Inc.

Copyright © 2012 Barbara J. Hutson
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4759-3919-4

Contents

1. A Ride in the Snow...................................12. Aromatherapy.........................................53. Ask a Mare...........................................94. Barnyard Glamour.....................................135. Birth of a Foal......................................196. Built for Comfort, Not for Speed.....................23Equi-Accidents..........................................27Folk Remedy.............................................35Hanging Out.............................................39Horsework before Housework..............................43Little Girl Giggles.....................................51Poetry in Motion........................................55The Art of Saying Goodbye...............................59Tough Choices...........................................63When I was a Kid........................................67Yep, I Spoil My Horse...................................73

Chapter One

    A Ride in the Snow


    I walked down the hill to the barn where my horses are found
    On a clear winter's morning with fresh snow on the ground

    I heard the soft nickers greeting me from the stalls
    I saw the halters all hanging from the hooks on the walls

    I made up a warm mash to chase off the chill
    And stood listening to them eating as hungry horses will

    I really had no intention of riding that day
    Just doing my chores then going my way

    I suddenly felt an old memory deep inside of me stir
    Was it really so wonderful? I had to be sure

    I walked over to the stall where my favorite mare stood
    And right then and there decided I would

    When she had finished her breakfast and her belly was full
    I snapped on her lead rope and gently gave it a pull

    I saddled her up and we headed on out
    Feeling that it is times like this are what it's about

    Just me and my horse the world silent and white
    Quietly trotting out to meet the day's first light

    She was tossing her head and wanting to go
    Excited to be travelling on the year's first snow

    At first I was worried, afraid she would slip
    But she told me in her way, she was up for the trip

    So, I loosened the reins and away we did fly
    I couldn't have stopped her - I didn't try

    The snow was flying and the sky turning blue
    When I realized this ride belonged to her too

    I knew she was having even more fun than me
    We both felt the thrill you feel being free

    Her mane was blowing back as she kicked up her heels
    I knew she was remembering how a young filly feels

    The reason I know what I'm saying is true
    Is because I was feeling like a young girl too

    It had been a very long time, a good many years
    Since I had turned it all loose, put away all my fears

    I trusted her to carry me safely that day
    To the place deep inside me where old memories lay

    To a time I was young, carefree and bold
    Before I turned 50, before she was sold

    Back to a time when my very first horse and me
    Ran alone in the snow with me laughing with glee

    It all came back to me on that morning ride
    Tears of a pure youthful joy I could no longer hide

    I slowed my horse down and as we wandered along
    The crunch of the snow played out like a song

    There's nothing else like it, no music so sweet
    As the rhythm beat out by my mare's four feet

    Add to the mix my dog running happily astride
    I felt the grin on my face stretching ever so wide

    When it was over and I quietly walked at her side
    I silently thanked her again for the wonderful ride

    I gave her an apple for the new memory I'll keep
    I buried my face in her neck and breathed in deep

    There's no better smell anywhere on this earth
    There's no way to explain just what it is worth

    I turned her loose and away up the hill she did run
    Glistening and golden in the mid-morning sun

    It's a magical thing, a treasure I know
    To have such vivid memories of a ride in the snow


    Aromatherapy

    You may think me crazy
    And that may be true
    But one of my favorite smells
    Just may surprise you

    It's not the heady aroma
    That comes from the flowers
    That fills up the air
    After warm spring showers

    It is not exotic perfumes
    Rich potpourri or spice
    Those aren't the things
    That make me sniff twice

    It's not fresh bread baking
    Although, it comes close
    I will tell you what scent
    I love the most

    It's when I bury my face
    In my horse's neck
    That makes me all giddy
    That makes me a wreck

    I can't explain just what
    That smell does to me
    But it makes my heart skip
    And it fills me with glee

    So warm and so earthy
    I know of nothing so good
    I would bottle and sell it
    If only I could

    I take deep breaths
    I just can't get enough
    I don't know why, but
    I love that stuff

    Maybe it's because it
    Makes it all real
    I have a horse
    How lucky I feel

    Maybe it's because
    I go to a place in my mind
    Where the best things are kept
    Things only I can find

    Or maybe it's because
    Dreams get buried in sleep
    They only can reach me
    When I breathe her scent deep

    Of all of my treasures
    This is one I won't trade
    This is one I shall value
    It's worth doesn't fade

    If you have never experienced
    What I am talking about
    Make it a point in your life
    And don't go without

    Close your eyes tight
    And get up real close
    Press into her neck
    With the end of your nose

    Let the scent take you
    Into the world of horses
    Away with the wind
    And all nature's forces

    I hope you will feel the power
    When you take in the smell
    But if you don't understand it
    It is a secret I'll never tell


    Ask a Mare

    Unlike the obliging gelding
    That wants or needs to be told
    What you need from him next-
    Be soft and quiet or fast and bold

    He willingly heeds your commands
    With no qualms or questions in mind
    He's known to be trusting and obedient
    The predicable push-button kind

    Or the magnificent stallion who demands
    The right to an equal vote in the matter
    Regardless of the time or subject at hand
    Dismissing direct orders and useless chatter

    The only real way he will ever be convinced
    To accept your challenge or grant an appeal
    Is with a confident horse-to-man discussion
    In what may end up being a lengthy ordeal

    When it comes to the more feminine gender
    I can tell you what's true on any given day
    A mare needs you to give her opinion a chance
    Let her be heard, let her have her say

    To get her to give her best performance
    And be the great girl you've come to expect
    Avoid giving orders in a no-nonsense way
    Remember she's female and show her respect

    Don't use a strong hand to bully her,
    Show her who's boss, or force her along
    She'll tune you out or maybe even resist
    If she's uneasy or if she thinks you are wrong

    If she's the Alpha who looks out for the herd
    Remember her position and please don't forget
    She carries the responsibility of her job seriously
    She won't hesitate to offer her life to protect

    Like a typical, multi-facetted woman
    Her work and her day is never done
    She perpetually keeps watch over her charges
    And when you're around, even considers you one

    And that is the reason nothing is taken for granted
    There is a lot on her plate and she needs to be sure
    She doesn't mean to be trying, stubborn or moody
    She has to be careful - her reasons are pure

    Times when she balks or questions your asking
    Sidesteps restlessly and throws nervous glances
    Just stay calm, don't be angry and impatient
    Understand while she heeds her mind's dances

    A mare's self-preservation runs extremely high
    It is those basest of instincts that make her the best
    Give her the time and the chance to determine
    When she feels it's OK to grant your request

    When it comes to generalities and common cliché's
    I admit I have enjoyed giving and getting my share
    I get protective when it comes to sayings about horses
    Because not a whole lot of truth is usually found there

    But with this particular quote about my equine friends
    I have to say, I believe the assessment is mostly fair
    "You may tell a gelding & discuss it with a stallion,
    But always remember it's best to kindly ask a mare"


    Barnyard Glamour

    When it comes up in conversation
    That my job is running a stable
    I will get the most envious looks
    Like my life is somewhat of a fable

    "You're living my dream"
    I've heard it over and over
    As they envision beautiful horses
    Grazing in grassy fields with clover

    They imagine and ponder
    And how great it must be
    How romantic and thrilling
    To be around horses like me

    The soft nickers and nuzzles
    The majestic beauty and speed
    The private comical antics
    Are an envious treasure indeed

    And while those things may be true
    And I love it with all of my heart
    They are missing my life's daily reality
    What I call the "glamorous" part

    To them, an occasional trip to the barn
    Is exciting and their eyes gleam with stars
    But the first thing I notice upon their arrival
    Is them on a cell phone in their clean spiffy cars

    You see, what serves as my "limo"
    Rides smooth as a buck
    Better known to us horse people
    As simply "the truck"

    The outside is usually dusty
    And sometimes covered in mud
    The interior littered with horse stuff
    Along with dog hair and crud

    As far as the luxury of using a phone
    It isn't a practical or a wise thing for me
    To let my attention wander elsewhere
    Let alone the use my hands not being free

    The visitors come to look at the horses
    Dressed in immaculately clean clothes
    Carefully trying not to get anything icky
    On all those cute ruffles, ribbons and bows

    The wearing of those fine clothes
    May be most every girl's wish
    But when it comes to the barnyard
    I think my old jeans are more stylish

    The ladies' hair may be coiffed
    And I know what they pay
    While my extensions are free
    And consist of pieces of hay

    To them, messed up hair like mine
    Is considered almost a crime
    Simply caught in a ponytail
    Almost all of the time

    Their nails are just perfect
    Neatly manicured and clean
    While mine are more "natural"
    You know what I mean?

    They come wearing cute sandals
    Or shiny boots without even a scuff
    Compared to my trusty barn shoes
    Broke in, dirty, faded and rough

    They are adorned in necklaces
    And dangling gold earrings
    My jewelry hangs over my shoulder
    Like ropes, halters and things

    The pampered girls have hands
    So soft, dainty, and smooth
    Mine are more like the leather
    No amount of lotion can soothe

    Their workout routines are done
    On fancy machines and ballet rails
    I get my daily exercise with
    A pitchfork and by carrying pails

    They take so much time
    To make up their faces just so
    While I jump out of bed and
    Straight to the barn I do go

    When nature comes calling
    And there is a need for relief
    A suggested trip behind the barn
    Brings looks of disbelief

    I wonder if they would wish
    To give my life a try
    When I am soaked in the rain
    And they are inside and dry

    How many would really
    Trade places with me
    And choose to be sweating
    When it is 100 degrees?

    If given the choice,
    Would their dreams be true?
    Would they really and honestly
    Want to do what I do?

    Would they truly give up
    The comforts they've known
    To take on the "good life"
    If the reality was shown?

    That is why I inwardly grin
    When I hear women say
    "You are living my dream"
    And I know I am, - in my way

    Although barnyard glamour is iffy,
    The choice I made remains clear
    For there is no other place on this earth
    That holds my heart so dear

    Maybe my life isn't all that desirable
    As it is imagined by others to be
    But I would never forsake it
    It is the perfect lifestyle for me


    Birth of a Foal

    There is just no explaining the extent of the thrill
    Of expecting the arrival of a newborn foal
    Just waiting and watching in the midnight chill
    Staying steady and ready being my primary role

    My mare's been uneasy and pacing most of the night
    So I settle in to bunk just outside of her stall
    I don't want to bother her so I stay out of sight
    Knowing that if she needs me, I won't miss her call

    Her pacing increases and she breaks into a sweat
    I try to peek over the stall door quiet and still
    She seems ready but her glance tells me no, not yet
    Everything will be fine. I just pray that it will

    So I go back to my bed to give her some space
    Thinking I am probably just making her anxious
    She needs to go through this at her own natural pace
    She doesn't need me nervously making a fuss

    I must have dozed off for an hour or so
    Because I woke with a start and my heart froze
    I could no longer hear her pacing to and fro
    So I run to the stall while my panic grows

    I shine the flashlight into the dark space
    She's standing quietly eating away at the hay
    Then my light finds the most wondrous face
    Of my new foal staring at me from where he lay

    My heart stood still and my breath escaped me
    As I looked at this perfectly beautiful being
    This was truly a miracle, I know you'd agree
    Even I could hardly believe what I was seeing

    A big white blaze shone bright as the moon
    Lighting up his face as he took in his new world
    Then as I watched what seemed to be way too soon
    He tried to stand and those long legs unfurled

    With soft nudges of encouragement from his mother
    It wasn't long at all before he was up on his feet
    I held perfectly still until I thought I would smother
    Exhaling only when he successfully found her full teat

    The emotion grew until I was sure my heart would burst
    Watching those first minutes of my dream come true
    I grabbed my phone and knew just who I would call first
    I need my best friend there with me to witness this too

    Those first wobbly steps grew ever steady and stronger
    And he was actually running around in a very short time
    Then he grew sleepy and just couldn't go any longer
    I watched him napping and couldn't believe he was mine

    Years have gone by now and held so many wondrous ways
    Hardly a day has gone by that he has not been in my sight
    He is one of life's greatest gifts and brightens my days
    But nothing compares to how I felt on that magical night

(Continues...)

Excerpted from Knowing Horses by Heartby Barbara J. Hutson Copyright © 2012 by Barbara J. Hutson. Excerpted by permission of iUniverse, Inc.. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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