The Horse's Prayer

To Thee Master......I offer my prayer....

Feed me, water and care for me, and when the day's work is done, provide me with shelter, a clean dry bed, and a stall wide enough for me to lie down in comfort.

Always be kind to me.  Talk to me.  Your voice often means as much to me as the reins.  Pet me sometimes, that I may serve you the more gladly and learn to love you.  Do not jerk the reins, and not whip me when going uphill.  Never strike, beat, or kick me when I do not understand what you want, but give me a chance to understand you.  Watch me; and if I fail to do your bidding, see if something is wrong with my harness or feet.

I cannot tell you when I am thirsty, so give me clean, cool water often.  I cannot tell you in words when I am sick, so watch me, that by signs you may know my condition.  Give me all possible shelter from the hot sun, and put a blanket on me, not when I am working, but when standing in the cold.  Never put a frosty bit in my mouth; first warm it by holding it a moment in your hands.

Don't smoke in my barn or leave me tied up overnight and perhaps burn me to death while you are sleeping in your comfortable bed.

Examine my teeth when I do not eat.  I may have an ulcerated tooth; that is very painful.  Do not tie my head in an unnatural position, or take away my best defense against flies, by cutting off my tail.

I try to carry you and your burdens without a murmur, and wait patiently for you long hours of the day or night.  Without the power to choose my shoes or path, I sometimes fall on the hard pavements which I have often prayed might be of such a nature as to give me a safe and sure footing.  Remember I must be ready at any moment to lose my life in your service.

And finally, O MASTER, when my useful strength is gone, do not turn me out to starve or freeze, or sell me to some cruel owner to be slowly tortured or starved to death; but do thou, my MASTER, take my life in the kindest way.  And your GOD will reward you here and hereafter.  You will not consider me irreverent if I ask this in the name of HIM, who was born in a stable.  Amen.

-- Anonymous