My story of Thor

There are some horses who touch lives so deeply they shape and imprint you down to the very core. My horse Thor was one such horse. He entered into my life just after my parent’s bitter divorce; he was 6 and I was just 14, and dad was gone. He soon became my rock, my refuge to flee to from the depression of home. We learned together. He showed me the sunsets high in the hills on hot summer nights and how the sun shines through a canopy of trees. I learned the music made by wind and trees and streams and silence. Countless conversations alone, no words spoken yet knowing, feeling, seeing, understanding…happy. He was my world. He carried me through at times when I couldn’t stand on my own. His shoulder always there, strong, supporting and me leaning, leaning, crying, soothed. Curving his head around he would embrace me, his warm breath on my back telling me he will be there, always. And he was. We were often told we seemed more like best friends than horse and rider. His kind, gentle, steady, trustworthy spirit shaped me as we grew. I learned the language of horse. He taught me patience, strength, responsibility, independence, the value of hard work and also not to freak out until you really look at something to know exactly what it is. He saw me through boyfriends, breakups, leaving home, marriage and having 3 kids. So patient with my kids as he taught them, too. Thor was 29 when he died. It was a warm, sunny spring day and I was there. His final lesson taught and the hardest…letting go. The price of love is found when there is loss, but worth it always. As he lay down and took his final breaths we read him my poem:

Thor:  January, 1979 – April 1, 2008

For 23 years you carried me through
You are loved
Unconditional love is all you show
You are loved
You were my parent when there were none to be had
               
You are loved
You were my crutch when I couldn’t stand
You are loved
You were my promise to face each new day
You are loved
You were my teacher who showed me the way
You are loved
Your character so honest, trusted and true
You are loved
Your patience and kindness instilled in me too
You are loved
Your hoof prints remain in so many hearts
By so many, You are loved

Winning Entries for the SPIRIT OF THE HORSE Story Contest!
These two stories tied for First Place. Both writers won a complimentary copy of the book.
Check back for the next Story Contest for the Month of August, 2010