A glimpse into the soul of a horse is an opportunity that will change your life. I know that the first time a majestic animal allowed me this chance I was changed forever.

First, let me begin with how I was introduced to horses. You see I was exposed to a life changing world before I even began to walk or talk. My great grandfather took it upon himself to make sure his little girl could ride even if meant disregarding my parents protest. He not only taught me how to ride, but a lesson far greater than anything I will receive from sitting in a classroom was gained when he showed me this mysterious world; I learned to look beyond the outer shell and into the soul of a horse. To him, it was important to learn an essential aspect that I still use today, roundup.

Roundup is where you are trying to connect with the spirit of the animal and demonstrate that you mean no harm. The 1200 pound animal will hopefully stop running in a circle and join you in the center. When this moment happens only one word can describe it, breathtaking. An animal that could kill you with a strike of its' hoof decides to trust you and let you beyond the recesses of an outer shell; there is now opportunity to glance through the eyes into the soul of the horse. Now, your current day writer has been transformed from her experience in the horse world and uses this aspect when I connect with humans.

Recently, a friend of mine tore my heart out and my friends, along with my family observed the pain inflicted upon me; their response was for me to cut off the person, therefore never speaking to him again. But, you see the horse person in me played a role I had the opportunity to glance into his soul. What I was able to see was the beauty, shyness, caring nature, and ultimately the need to be loved; because of a world that taught me to look beyond the outer shell, I have a chance to see the real person standing before me. I am so grateful that I can break past the pain and allow my friendship to grow stronger in times to come; because I know the real side of him.