Isn’t she amazing? Think of all those wise eyes have seen during her wild life … the babies nurtured, the friends shared, the stallions led.
Houdini.
I just love her.
*****
Randomly, looking for something else among my files and files (both computerized and paper), I found the below that I apparently (I don’t remember it at all) composed for: March for Wild Horses, Girls Horse Club, March 19-26, 2010, interactive interview (according to my notes at the bottom of the page). I thought this post, about our remarkable, long-lived Houdini, fit the bill for bringing it (back?) to light.
“What inspires me most about mustangs is at once simple … and amazingly complex – just like the horses themselves. They are hardy. They are fragile. They are wonderfully complex in their social systems and bonds. They are refreshingly simple in their actions and reactions. They are adaptable. They are graceful. They are innocent. They carry the weight of their ancestors’ long history. They are curious and brave and easily frightened. They are bold and fearless and defensive of their families. They live in the harshest environments – to which man has committed them – and they thrive. They are independent. They are dependent (we have fenced them into these herd management areas and it is incumbent upon us that their basic needs of water and forage are met). In a perfect world, they could manage just fine without us (witness those few horses returned to the continent … the millions repopulating the continent … the devastation wrought upon them by generations of “mustangers” …). In many, many instances where they’ve been adopted, their adopters become so enamored of them as to say “I’ll never have but another mustang.” They are stunning. They are so much more.”
Spring Creek Basin Mustangs 
If only our “representatives” could be open-minded enough to understand all of that. Perfect description, TJ.
Thank you. 🙂
Love this. I can never put into words what they mean to me and you have done it so beautifully and effortlessly. Thank you
A moment of inspiration that fortunately translated to words back then. … I also – usually – have a difficult time expressing what they mean to me. … EVERYTHING! 🙂 I know you understand!
You never disappoint with your thoughts, words or photos! The mustangs have a real advocate!
Thanks, Mom. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Very beautiful, indeed!
Isn’t she lovely? To me, she epitomizes *wild*!
She is a beauty.
Ah, she is such a beauty.
Nice critical thinking.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Uncle Tom!
Look at those beautiful wise eyes…TJ- the piece you wrote should be published !! Wonderful ! Thanks for sharing- surely will reread through the day etc.,
It’s seen by those who appreciate it most. 🙂 Thanks, Trish!
Everything about this is beautiful.
Thanks, Martha. 🙂
Well said then…and now, TJ. Such a perfect description of our beloved mustangs, a wonderful, complex amalgamation of “this” and the opposite “that” into a perfect whole! I love Houdini too – and all of them.
Thanks, Sue. 🙂