The Horse Prayer – traditional horses prayer

Note: The following is the traditional horse’s prayer. The name of the author has been lost over time, but the prayer is touching and I’ve always believed it should be shared. The prayer is written from the
horses point of view. Growing up my mother had a copy of it hanging in the kitchen. Today I carry on the tradition and have a copy hanging on the wall in my home.

Feed me, give me water, and care for me, and when the day’s

work is done, give me shelter, a clean bed and a wide stall.

Talk to me. Your voice often substitutes for the reins for me.

Be good to me and I will serve you cheerfully and love you.

Don’t jerk the reins and don’t raise the whip.

Don’t beat or kick me when I don’t understand you,

but rather give me time to understand you.

Don’t consider it disobedience if I don’t follow your commands.

Perhaps there is a problem with my saddle and bridle or hooves.

Check my teeth if I don’t eat, maybe I have a toothache.

You know how that hurts.

Don’t halter me too short and don’t dock my

tail… it’s my only weapon against flies and mosquitoes.

And at the end, dear master, when I am no longer any use to you,

don’t let me go hungry or freeze and don’t sell me.

Don’t give me a master who slowly tortures me to death and lets me starve,

but rather be merciful and take care of me,

by letting me run and enjoy a warm pasture.

Let me request this of you and please don’t regard it as disrespectful

if I ask it in the name of Him who was born in a stable like me.

Amen

(author unknown).