28/07/2022
"He has known joy and violence. Felt the warmth of children and the cruelty of abuse. He has nearly died saving lives, and merely been killed by a drunken act. He has known the finery of grand estates and the filth of stinking slums. He has survived fire and flood, starvation and torment. And nothing could break his spirit-or his great love. This is HIS life. He is called the horse.
--Anna Sewell
Carol found this photo of a retired cavalry horse and thought it fit today's quote from Anna Sewell, author of Black Beauty. The photo was taken in 1952 and the gelding's name was Pat. In the photo a WAC (Women's Army Corp)has stopped by to give Pat a pat as the WAC quarters were close to his pasture.
Horses were used in cavalry in WW1, just over a century ago. It's jarring to think that airplanes, autos and horses were used in the same fields during that conflict. Many horses gave their lives along with the men alongside them.
Today horses can be trail or show horses, pasture pets, or elite athletes. That doesn't mean that some don't face hardships because they do. There are many good people who work to redirect the flow of unwanted equines to better fitting homes. They are the people among us who know the depth of a horses feelings and their desire to be useful.
If you come across them please consider supporting them.
About
Heart 2 Horse is a blog written by Carol Jensen and Rebecca Anderson, both Wisconsin horsewomen/artists. The vintage photographs are from Carol's collection and the musings are written by either Carol or Rebecca. Carol is also the finder of the quotes that accompany each photo. Our aim is to highlight the deep relationship women have enjoyed with horses since forever. We hope you enjoy the visit and feel free to share the post.