Mountain Herd Notecard

Description

Wild Horses / Mountain Herd

To see wild horses is to be inspired by their power and strong sense of freedom. There are many legends and stories of the “elusive” wild stallion evading capture and guarding his herd, choosing death before surrendering his freedom.

There are small populations of wild horses found around the world, in Japan, China, Australia, Britain, France, South America, the U.S. and Canada.

Horses have been connected with humans since very ancient times. Around the world, in diverse cultures, the horse has played a prominent role in mythology and legend. The horse gave humans a sense of freedom by lightening their burdens and making travel easier and faster. Riding horses has been associated with flying in poetry and songs. In the story of Allah’s creation of the horse, the Koran says, “He picked up the golden sand and cast it to the wind, saying, “Thou shalt fly without wings”.”

The first human to climb upon a horse’s back must have been awed indeed by the animal’s speed and power, and flying it must have seemed on that first ride in the distant and ancient past.

To be connected to horses is to be connected to that primal, ancient past. By making sure there is a place for wild horses on the earth we are only benefitting ourselves by association. Richard Adams, author of Watership Down, states it most eloquently when he says, “For our own sakes, we all need to feel and understand the value to the world of the wild horses, those paragons of natural power, grace, and beauty.”

artwork by Lisa Baechtle ©2003

text by Anne Trawick