On the day she sold her horse she didn't want to see me, didn't want to talk much. It was true we couldn't keep horses on what we were making. We could barely eat and pay rent. I thought that was the end of it but I have heard it said much of life operates in circles. The loss of her horse left behind heartbreak that time did not heal. It returned years later and she had to act on it.

That meant getting another horse with a young strong heart. Bales of hay, halters, picking hoofs, saddles, lead ropes, are all part of it. Her horse whinnies a greeting when she approaches, then checks her pockets for treats. When it is loose in the round pen it wants to stop each time around and stand next to her.

I told her that if she loves something that much she should not let anything get in its way. I know that feeling. Staying true to it makes for a life well lived.

. . . 'It is no small matter to be a witness to another persons life story'

Jean Shinoda Bolen, in 'Crossing to Avalon'

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