Life lessons & carrots (Part 1)

Image is afraid of the wash stall. She is young and silly and in her mind the drain at the center is horse eating. "Back." She lifts her head, eyes rolling, keeping me in sight as she plants her feet. "Back." I make the word more forceful and lay a hand on her chest, light pressure. I 'push' mentally. She snorts and takes a careful step, shivering. Slowly she steps back one foot, another, another. Her eyes never leave me. I keep the gentle pressure flowing, my voice warm and firm. "Good girl!" I snap the ties to her halter and pat her neck. "Silly girl."

I move around her, brushing dried mud from her coat, scrubbing at the spots that itch. My sister is watching me, and watching Image. Image keeps her head turned, her eyes on me, she reaches out and nuzzles me. She fidgets until I wrap my arms around her neck, stroking and patting. "She thinks you're Mom," my audience comments and I glance up at the dark brown eyes half hidden under long mane. Image drops her head into my chest and sighs.

And I think of the first lesson these powerful beasts have taught me. We all fear. Sometimes that fear is rational, sometimes it is not. We survive that fear by leaning on those we love and trust. When Image is afraid she looks to me, she does not try to face her fear alone. And when she forgets to look and lean, panic overcomes her. Lesson one: In the midst of fear, pain, trouble, and heartache lean on those you love. It is why they are there!