The Heart of a Horse

Tattered tack is all that remains from my years when owning horses brought me indescribable joy. I really should sell my saddle, as its seemingly sole purpose is to serve as a perch for my cat to peer out of the garage window. For some reason, I cannot bear to part with this sentimental symbol. The equines I owned were animals that no one wanted, except me. The truth is, however, I needed them, too. A very special relationship grew between me and my 1200-pound friends. I learned that the horse's compassionate heart drives its spirited grandiose body.

One such friendship formed when I became the proud owner of a retired Quarter Horse barrel-racing champion. This magnificent mare won her master cash prizes, ribbons and trophies. When pretty Pris became physically unable to earn her oats, she lost her monetary value, became homeless and faced a hideous premature demise.

Pris seemed to sense that I rescued her and an almost instant bond formed. Immediately, I discovered the horrific bits used to train and manipulate this talented steed had nearly torn her tongue in two. She struggled to eat even the softest of sweet feed. It is hard to imagine the suffering Pris endured as her mouth was mutilated. Yet, she performed splendidly and was an equine star. Pris deserved time to recuperate, and I was happy to oblige.

I gave Pris lazy days of grazing. I brushed her shiny brown coat and combed her black thick mane. I won her heart and she won mine.

In time, Pris healed enough to enjoy a quality life. Torture from bridles and bits remained nightmares from her past. Once she trusted that I would only put a hackamore or halter over her ears, Pris was ready to allow me on her back. We spent many years together leisurely exploring trails and parks, such as Paynes Prairie. I am convinced she looked forward to our escapades as much as I did. We enjoyed the solitude of nature at our own pace.

Memories of Pris raced back when I watched Big Brown’s mystifying run at Belmont. Supporters of horse racing needed a Triple Crown winner, and Big Brown was the colt! Or so thought his over-confident and cocky trainers and owners. The Associated Press quoted Rick Dutrow Jr., Big Brown’s trainer, as saying winning the Belmont is a “foregone conclusion.”

Despite his dead-last finish, Big Brown proved to be a winner — for his equine family and his human friends who are pushing for reforms in the industry. Horses have been trained to risk their lives for the personal pleasure and profit of their owners for more than 6,500 years. Astonishing as it sounds, there are still no nationalized regulations for the humane treatment of horses in America. Only 10 states ban anabolic steroids. Fifteen percent of racehorses are successful. Exportation to Mexico and Canada and the grotesque finale of slaughter is the fate faced by the rest.

Beautiful Big Brown brought attention to the misuse of steroids. His bust will bring serious securitization to this concern. Dutrow has had at least 72 sanctions against him since 2000, 13 of them for drug-related issues. Johnette Howard, from Newsday.com, said, “Dutrow is a prolific serial offender.”

In spite of Dutrow’s attitude, Big Brown wanted his trainer’s attention following his defeat. The Gainesville Sun reported in June, “The trainer watched intently as Big Brown was led around the inside of the barn. Each time he came around the colt stopped suddenly and stared at Dutrow. It wasn’t until the fourth go-around that Dutrow finally uttered two words.”

“Hi, buddy,” he said to Big Brown, who then turned and continued to walk.

Big Brown’s huge heart ached, and all he got was two words. Like Pris, Big Brown needed embracing.

It is a crime to dope and brutally abuse these feeling creatures, and then send them to an early execution. When Pris passed away I looked into her sad eyes and deep into the heart of a horse. I said goodbye to a trusted friend. I hung her hackamore by my saddle and created a memorial for Pris and other equine like her. §

Donna Bonnell is a writer in Newberry. She may be contacted at Donna@towerpublications.

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