Arizona in the Saddle | Page 14

F rom time to time, people tell me, “Lighten up, it’s just a horse”, or, “That’s a lot of money for just a horse”. They don’t understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for “just a horse”. Some of my proudest moments have come about with “just a horse”. Many hours have passed and my only company was “just a horse”, but I did not once feel slighted. Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by “just a horse”. And in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of “just a horse” gaveme comfort and reason to overcome the day. If you, too, think it’s “just a horse”, then you will probably understand phrases like “just a friend”, “just a sunrise”, or “just a promise”. “Just A Horse” brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust and pure unbridled joy. “Just A Horse” brings out the compassion and patience that makes me a better person. Because of “just a horse”, I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly into the future. So, for me, and folks like me, it’s not, “just a horse”, but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment. “Just A Horse” brings out what’s good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day. I hope that someday they can understand that it’s not “just a horse” but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being “just a man”. So, the next time you hear the phrase “just a horse”, just smile, because they “just” don’t understand the lessons in life - through God’s gift - Just A Horse. SaddlE rEpair/ ClEaning CuStom ChapS and ChinkS BridalS and BrEaSt CollarS CowBoy gEar raSpS horSE BlankEt rEpair hoof CarE horSE ShoES nippErS Premium horse and livestock feed and hay. Premium pet food and supplies. We carry grain for every budget. Small bags available! Full service tack shop and all the farm and ranch supplies you need. 6812 E. CavE CrEEk rd. SuitE #2 Star Milling has had independent Ace Hi Feeds and Kelley’s Feed Dealers in most of Arizona, for over 30 years. Call (951) 657-3143 to find your nearest store! See our website www.starmilling.com for all of the products we offer. Location: 16028 N. 32nd Street Phoenix, AZ 85032 Hours: Monday–Saturday: 8am-6pm Sunday: 9am-5pm 1000 off $ Any purchase over $50.00 Expires March 30, 2014. Must have coupon. One per customer per purchase. The Western Ranchman Store 16028 N. 32nd St., Phoenix, AZ 85032 www.thewesternranchmanstore.com 14 February 2014 AZintheSaddle.com