I find it particularly interesting that horses can express genuine, obvious love toward us and that many times, humans do not recognize it.  I have the unique opportunity to observe many horses and many people interacting and to see awareness (quite often) as well as unaware responses from the humans.

Horses seem so easy to read - to me. Is it because I grew up with horses? Is it because I have spent the great majority of my life in relationship with the neglected, abused and misunderstood?

Maybe that connection to and desire to heal the horses has made them transparent to me - and likely, me to them. I always feel that the Dharma Horses read my mind and that they must "talk" about me at night, probably rolling their eyes now and then. I also know for certain that they thank me dozens of times throughout each day. How do I know this? In the way they wait after we pass through a gate; in the way they shift to let me pass by while I'm mucking; in their nickers, their nuzzles, their lowering of heads and neck hugs - they are more expressive than some people!

They are loving beings. They respond to love.

My favorite definition of love is by Eric Fromm:

"Love is the active promotion of the well being of the love object."

Well Being is important here at DH.

And, our motto is scrawled across one of the tackroom walls:

"Just show up, be brave, be kind, rest, try again"

My thoughts tonight wrap around all the beings I have loved and do love. Just as water is essential for life, so is LOVE! Never apologize for loving, never feel embarrassed to love, always love unconditionally because it is not a commodity to be traded back and forth... Love is like that precious water; it flows.