WINSTON WEEKLY©[1]

February 16, 2025

Vol. 3, No. 7

THE LOVE OF HORSES

From Black Beauty to Mister Ed to Adam and Nugget, my love for horses has existed since early childhood. The only novel written by Anna Sewell, Black Beauty: The Autobiography of a Horse, was published shortly before she died in 1877. Although intended for adults, it became a classic children’s novel, and one often read to me until I was old enough to read. Canceled by the network in 1966 after six seasons, reruns of Mister Ed were also childhood staples. My beloved horses, Adam and Nugget, did not share Mister Ed’s communication skills, but had unique ways of communicating with me and with each other.   

When not on the riding trails or the show circuit, Adam and Nugget were often together, even in pastures with many other horses. They grazed together, slept together, and played together. If I could create a rerun of their lives, I would.

Adam was an Appaloosa and a rather small one, but the ideal horse to teach me how to ride. As my riding abilities improved, Nugget’s “racehorse” style was essential to honing my skills and his. Although a Palomino, he outran the best Thoroughbreds and never found a jump he could not master. Despite my very different experiences with Adam and Nugget, Sir Winston Churchill’s quote sums it up: “When you are on a great horse, you have the best seat you will ever have.”

In addition to providing great seats, horses can improve spatial awareness and reduce anxiety, depression, and blood pressure.[2] From Melissa, Texas to Overland Park, Kansas to Alberta, Canada, equine therapy options abound.

THIS WEEK’S ACTIVITY

If you have been around horses, write down your favorite quote about horses or your favorite experience. If you have not had the opportunity or want to help someone learn about horses, there are many good books, including: Project Solomon by Jodi Stuber and Jennifer Marshall Bleakley, a true story about a lonely horse who found a new home; and Think Like a Horse: Lessons in Life, Leadership and Empathy from an Unconventional Cowboy by Grant Golliher.

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[1] A Sunday newsletter and blog by Alysen Bayles to be shared with the appropriate attribute.

[2] Equine-Assisted Therapy, May 25, 2022, www.psychologytoday.com; What Is Equine Therapy and Equine-Assisted Therapy?, Medically reviewed by Minesh Kharti, MD, May 14, 2023, www.webmd.com; Rustic Way Ranch, Melissa, TX, www.rusticwayranch.org; Heartland Therapeutic Riding, Inc., Overland Park, KS, www.htrkc.org; Rein Forth Equine, Alberta, Canada, www.reinforthequine.com.