Firehorse
Well-Known Member
i've had this on my mind the last few days for some reason, particularly the part about warming the frosty bit. finally found it so thought i'd share it. enjoy.
The Horses Prayer
To thee, my master, I offer my prayer. Feed me, water and care
for me, and, when the days work is done, provide me with shelter and a
stall wide enough for me to lie down in comfort.
Always be kind to me. Your voice often means as much to me as the reins.
Pet me sometimes, that I may serve you the more gladly and learn to love
you. Do not jerk the reins, and do not whip me when going uphill. Never
Strike, beat, or kick me when I do not understand what you want, but give me
a chance to understand you. Watch me, and if I fail to do your bidding, see if
Something is not wrong with my harness or feet.
Do not check me so that I cannot have free use of my head.
If you insist that I wear blinders, so that I cannot see behind
me as it was intended I should, I pray you be careful that the
blinders stand well out of my eyes.
Do not overload me, or hitch me where water will drip on me.
Keep me well shod. Examine my teeth when I do not eat;
I may have an ulcerated tooth, and that, you know, is very painful.
Do not tie my head in an unnatural position, or take away my
best defence against flies and mosquitoes by cutting off my tail.
I cannot tell you when I am thirsty, so give me clean, cool water often.
Save me, by all means in your power from that
fatal disease the glanders.
I cannot tell you in words when I am sick, so watch me,
that by signs you may know my condition.
Give me all possible shelter from the hot sun,
and put a blanket on me, not when I am working,
but when I am standing the cold.
Never put a frosty bit in my mouth; first warm it by holding
it a moment in your hands.
I try to carry you and your burden without a murmur,
and wait patiently for you long hours of the day or night.
Without the power to choose my shoes or path, I sometimes
fall on hard pavement which I have often prayed might
not be of wood but of such a nature as to give me
safe and sure footing. Remember that I must be ready at any moment
to lose my life in your service.
And finally, OH MY MASTER, when my useful strength is gone,
do not turn me out to starve or freeze, or sell me
to some cruel owner, to be slowly tortured
and starved to death; but do thou, My Master,
take my life in the kindest way, and your God will reward
you here and hereafter. You will not consider me irreverent
if I ask this in the name of Him who was born in a stable.
The Horses Prayer
To thee, my master, I offer my prayer. Feed me, water and care
for me, and, when the days work is done, provide me with shelter and a
stall wide enough for me to lie down in comfort.
Always be kind to me. Your voice often means as much to me as the reins.
Pet me sometimes, that I may serve you the more gladly and learn to love
you. Do not jerk the reins, and do not whip me when going uphill. Never
Strike, beat, or kick me when I do not understand what you want, but give me
a chance to understand you. Watch me, and if I fail to do your bidding, see if
Something is not wrong with my harness or feet.
Do not check me so that I cannot have free use of my head.
If you insist that I wear blinders, so that I cannot see behind
me as it was intended I should, I pray you be careful that the
blinders stand well out of my eyes.
Do not overload me, or hitch me where water will drip on me.
Keep me well shod. Examine my teeth when I do not eat;
I may have an ulcerated tooth, and that, you know, is very painful.
Do not tie my head in an unnatural position, or take away my
best defence against flies and mosquitoes by cutting off my tail.
I cannot tell you when I am thirsty, so give me clean, cool water often.
Save me, by all means in your power from that
fatal disease the glanders.
I cannot tell you in words when I am sick, so watch me,
that by signs you may know my condition.
Give me all possible shelter from the hot sun,
and put a blanket on me, not when I am working,
but when I am standing the cold.
Never put a frosty bit in my mouth; first warm it by holding
it a moment in your hands.
I try to carry you and your burden without a murmur,
and wait patiently for you long hours of the day or night.
Without the power to choose my shoes or path, I sometimes
fall on hard pavement which I have often prayed might
not be of wood but of such a nature as to give me
safe and sure footing. Remember that I must be ready at any moment
to lose my life in your service.
And finally, OH MY MASTER, when my useful strength is gone,
do not turn me out to starve or freeze, or sell me
to some cruel owner, to be slowly tortured
and starved to death; but do thou, My Master,
take my life in the kindest way, and your God will reward
you here and hereafter. You will not consider me irreverent
if I ask this in the name of Him who was born in a stable.