At our Master’s Dinner our hunt has a tradition that toasts are given to The Huntsman, The Quary, The Hounds, The Horse, etc…
This year I gave the toast to the horse. I wrote a poem, and I thought that I would share it with my COTH friends because I know that it will resonate with you.
My friend, my dear, dear friend, my partner in my life’s
greatest adventure…
With the pleasant predictability of a metronome your
morning greeting, Mmmmmm, signals the beginning of my
day. How simple and how satisfying the sound of your
quiet chewing, the smell of the barn, of freshly cleaned
tack, the feeling of resting my cheek against the softness
of your face. Is there any problem in the whole, wide world
that doesn’t feel more manageable with my cheek against your
soft muzzle?
My friend, my dear, dear friend, being in your presence I
feel my tensions lesson, my blood pressure lower and the
years melt away from me. I am young again with you. You
bring sunshine, sparkling snowy days, sweat, soil, huge blue
skies and a rhythm and rightness into my life that makes it
feel whole. You have stretched the limits of my patience,
and of my nerve and by doing so have forged my character in
ways that I know are good for me. I am a better human
because of you.
My friend, my dear, dear friend, Oh, the gifts you have
given me…
Your graceful, athletic prowess allows me to fly, to hunt,
to feel unparalleled freedom; transcendant. The sky is
bluer, the clouds more arresting, life’s troubles
surmountable and the world, generally, a much better place
from upon your back. I am humbled by what you give me. I
could weep at your generosity…
Please raise your glasses in a toast to the horse…
My friend, my dear, dear friend, for all that you have
taught me, for all that you are to me, I thank you.
