Heart of a Horse
By Amanda Moore
Founder- Reigning Grace Ranch
For those of us who have lived in the Rio Verde foothills area for a
spell, we recall the nomadic range horses that mingled and spread
throughout the community, searching for a kind neighbor who might
have left a flake of grass, a trough of clean water, or a tasty salt block.
As they traveled about, some in the area may have felt those horses
had been a nuisance, causing damage where they trailed. But for us,
those range horses represented a sort of characteristic “West”— a
place where the wild and the civilized comingled in a romantic sort
of way. This was one of the many charms of our little community
of Rio Verde. And it soon began to transform us. We soon became
fluent with what we never imagined possible: horse language. It
was through our relationship with these range horses that a little
non-profit ranch, Reigning Grace Ranch, was born. Life would never
be the same.
We were honored to rescue eight of these horses, a motley crew,
desired by none. Onlookers watched in amazement as we incorporated into our herd four stallions, one bachelor gelding, two fillies,
and their weathered, twenty-something-year-old matriarch mare we
called Sugar. We often questioned our own sanity, but embraced the
herd wholeheartedly, aiming to save them.
In turn, they have saved us.
Shortly after joining our existing herd, we noted the fascinating practices of these seemingly simple horses: they ate together, accepted
each other, protected each other, and left no one behind. Community was everything to them. Their unspoken language was like an
old civilization, gone extinct. It was apparent that the family values
these horses reflected were vital to their survival. Theirs is a scholarly lesson which can benefit any of their human counterparts, if only
we watch and learn . . . fundamental values often lacking in families
today.
Sugar, the matriarch mare, was no stranger to a hard life, having
roamed the desert for more than twenty years. She held much of the
weight of responsibility to keep her family protected, despite what
range life threw her way. When we rescued her she was nearly seven
months in foal. Additionally, on her side she had a yearling stud
colt still nursing. To the herd, she was their calm in the storm, the
constant, the knot that tied them together. Deep in her eyes, Sugar
seemed to hold all of the wisdom and the secrets of life. She was an
old soul with a gentle spirit.
We were privileged to have Sugar in our Reigning Grace Ranch
working herd over the last three years. This wild and untamed mare
spoke to the hearts of hurting and sick children in a way that healed
souls and brought hope. She offered a soft whinny and a stable place
to cry. She modeled tremendous strength. When Sugar became sick
it was clear that the heart of the worn out little bay mare had permanently caused ripples in the lives of many. Her final moments of life
were surrounded by abounding love. The community she created
had learned ten-fold how to repay their teacher: by being by her side
until the end. They now carry her legacy of lessons into the lives of
others.
In this season of family, thankfulness and giving, it is crucial to not
get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays. I am thankful
for the shabby little bay mare who taught us profoundly about the
importance community, family, the opportunity to impact others, . . .
and, simply, to love.
To learn more about Reigning Grace Ranch, a non-profit children’s
horse ranch, please visit www.azRGR.org or call 480-466-2154.