We often hear the term “Heart Horse”. It is a term that was made by equestrians in an attempt to name that one horse in your life that just exceeds any others you may encounter.  

As equestrians, we probably engage with hundreds of horses throughout our lives, from the time we begin learning, to owning horses if we are lucky enough, working with them or just meeting them on a daily basis. Of course, as horse owners, we all love our horses – every horse brings something different to our lives, enriches us in different ways.  But a Heart Horse just has that extra level of closeness or unity, something different, that whilst we may not be able to describe, can often feel a little like this:

• Priceless: It’s not about how much or how little you spent on this horse. Your love for them can’t be measured in euro signs. Furthermore, no amount of money can make you sell them. You’d do whatever it takes to afford their expenses.
• Consume your thoughts: This horse will always be on your mind. You may ride a few different mounts, but this one is the only horse you’re thinking about at the end of the day.
• Whole again: Life is just better in their presence – whether it’s sitting in their paddock, or jumping a round of fences, it’s just a feeling that is indescribable.
• They try their hardest: Whatever you ask, they’ll try! You may both fail miserably, but a heart horse is dependable. They’ve got your back!
• Endless learning opportunities: You both are constantly growing. They teach you things like compassion, unconditional love, and loyalty.
• Find you: As tricky as it may be, the heart horse usually finds us. You can set out and search and search, but they’re likely to be found when you least expect it.

I think as horse owners, we all say that every horse we do or have owned, has been a horse that changed our lives, the horse that taught us or the horse that got us through tough times in life – there are a million reasons why we have loved and indeed needed a horse in our lives at the time they have been there – but I think anyone who has found their Heart Horse will know what I mean, when I say they just hold a different meaning to us.

In my lifetime of horses, I have owned a few horses and every one was loved beyond measure – I have been lucky enough to have had amazing bonds with all my horses.  Some, were sold on – just for reasons that love didn’t warrant enough to keep them – they were not suitable to my needs, I outgrew their capabilities. Cass, whom I owned for the best part of 30 years was my life horse – we grew together from when she was a 3 year old until I had her put to sleep when she let me know she needed it.  

Cody was my dream horse – a horse I never wanted to sell, but due to my own health issues had no choice but to let him go to the life he deserved with someone who could enjoy him. 

So to find my Heart Horse in the form of a cheeky little 8hh Shetland called Peanut – whom I can’t ride or enjoy heading out the road on hacks on, believe me, surprised me more than anyone!  From the first time I set eyes on this saucy looking brat at the rescue centre I picked her up from, with her scowling back at me, I felt a way I had never felt before – I had an urgent need to bring her home. Practically feral, rude and not interested in acknowledging my existence, I persisted and when the day came when she willingly allowed me to rub her – or come to me.. our bond only grew stronger.  Peanut has been there through the worse times of my life –  I adopted her the day after Cass was put to sleep, as a companion for Cody , my mother dying and most recently having to sell Cody.  Three traumatic and horrible events – and every time.. she’s been there- silently standing next to me, offering me her fuzzy little face to cry into… she has touched my heart and soul the way no one ever has. She is my absolute rock in life. Whilst I’m not one to believe in “fate” and the likes, when I look at Peanut – I do believe that she was put in my life for a reason.

Now don’t get me wrong – I love my other pony Pixie as well – another rescue whom is also loved beyond measure – she is one of my best mates – a funny engaging little pony that I could spend all day watching – she isn’t treated in any way different to Peanut – absolutely not!! But we just don’t have that Heart Horse Connection – because I believe – that can only be a one horse job.

Some may think us silly or foolish, but heart horses are real. Don’t lose hope in finding that once-in-a-lifetime horse. Be open and optimist, as you never know when they’ll come knocking at your door! And when they do, never let go…do YOU believe?  Have you found your heart horse?