There is nothing quite like the bond between horse and rider. It defines who we are. Putting that love and feeling into words can be difficult, especially when talking so someone who has never had that bond. The Rider’s Prayer is a beautifully written description of that love between horse and rider. It conveys the desperate wishes of every rider – to understand our horses, to feel free with them and to never be parted even in the next life.
Unfortunately, the author of this amazing poem is unknown. But DigginLarry, a video content site, has created a breathtaking video of the prayer set to music. Below are the words of the poem (from this video, there are other variations if you google “rider’s prayer”), followed by the video.
Give me strength to guide my horse. Make my hands soft & my head clear. Let my horse understand me & I her. My heart you have blessed with a special love of these animals, let me never lose sight of it.
My soul you have gifted with a deep need for them, let that need never lessen. As the sun gleams on elegant head, always may my throat tighten at the sound of gentle nicker.
Let the scent of fresh hay & new bag of grain always be sweet to me. Let the touch of a warm nose on my hand always bring a smile.
The grace & splendor of a running horse, the thunder of it’s hooves makes my eyes burn & my heart soars – let it always be so.
Grant me patience, for horses are harnessed wind and wind can be flighty. Let me not frighten or harm them, instead show me ways to understand them.Above all fill my life with them. When I pass from this world, send my soul to no heaven without them. For this love they have given me I shall cherish in this life and the next forever.
The words of this poem are beautiful and the slow-motion videography is just breathtaking. It captures the bond between horse and rider perfectly. What do you think – would you add anything? Share your thoughts in the comments.