January 6, 2013

A sweet visit...

I had the best visit with Willow today.  She was sooo super sweet and even more affectionate than usual.  She is such an expressive horse.  Martha says she is very wise and a great communicator... and that if I am open to it, I will hear what she wants to tell me.

Today willow just wanted to be near me.  Before I could even get to her pasture gate, she looked up and started walking over to me.  When we met, she lowered her head for a scratch and then raised her head so I could hug her. There is nothing quite like a Willow hug.  I love her soft fur and the way she smells.  And she is so quiet and still as she rests her head on my shoulder.  I love that. ♥

It was a bit breezy while I was there, and at one point, Willow lowered her head way down to about my stomach level.  I'm always pushing her forlock out of her eyes, so when she lowered her head that low, I felt like she wanted me to braid it so it wouldn't constantly blow into her eyes.  So I did, and she seemed satisfied... and I think it made her look a little bit like a unicorn...  but beautiful nonetheless... :)

We spent a long while in the pasture together, walking side by side a bit, but mostly just standing close.  It was cold and her fur warmed my hands.  I scratched her neck and withers and just inside her ears (which she really loves).  And every so often, I stopped for a Willow hug.  I trust her more than I've trusted any other horse.  I know she won't do anything to scare me or hurt me...

When it was time for me to leave, I told her I had to go but would be back tomorrow.  But as I walked to the gate, she followed close behind.  "I'll be back, Willow" I kept explaining, but she kept following.  I actually had to move her back so I could open the big gate.  And once I closed it, she just stood there, with her head over the gate.... just looking at me.  She looked so sad, and I didn't want to leave her.  As much as I needed to get home, I just couldn't leave her like that.  So I walked to the gate and pleaded with her to go and graze and to be happy... and that I'd be back soon.  So I walked away again and had decided not to look back...  and then I heard her kicking and pawing at the gate!  She really is so smart. :)  Of course, I had to turn around and go back into her pasture... I guess she needed just a little more love. 

So as we visited out in her pasture again, one of the ponies started heading toward us.  She was probably just going to walk right past us to the water fountain for a drink, but when Willow saw her coming close, she did the same thing she did to the paint last week.... she charged!!!  She pinned her ears way back and charged!  Scared that poor pony half to death!  The pony ran off, and Willow trotted in a complete circle straight back to me.  She stopped just a couple inches from my face, and she looked at me at my eye level.  And there I was, face to face with my great protector... my sweet Willow.  And it was then that I finally realized that she really does love me... and that I am her person.  And I am honored...

22 comments:

  1. Shana, this top photo really does look like she just doesn't understand why you have to leave. Yet she obviously understands quite well who you are (her savior and best friend), and what you mean to her (everything!). She's just giving something back, all that a horse can... her love and protection. Really, until now, hasn't she always lost those, horse and human, that she's loved the most? She doesn't want that to happen again. After all she's been through you came along just in time to give her a reason to fight for her life, a reason to go on. She's bonded to you in a way more humans need to understand. I suspect it's even way beyond unconditional love. I suspect only animals truly understand :)

    your friend,
    scott

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  2. She knows your heart and she knows how much you love her. Her sweet soul is healing fast because of you. Thank you for sharing her story.

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  3. Oh! I'm so glad you went back - her face as she's watching you leave was killing me! :)
    Well, it sounds as though you have your very own bodyguard, and that she is pretty proud of the job she's doing! I can just see the other horses talking to each other:
    First Horse: "Look! That lady seems so nice - with great long hair to nibble on! Let's go say hi!"
    Second Horse: "You must be new. That's Willow's lady - don't go near her, it's not worth it."

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  4. Love is the best medicine!

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  5. I've been reading your blog for a couple of weeks now and it has touched me more than words could ever say. I'm constantly telling people about this super sweet and precious lady and her great, beautiful horse! You are a one-of-a-kind type of person and I'm so thankful you and Willow have crossed paths and are together now! Keeping you and Willow in my prayers, that she continues to get healthy!

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  6. Shana!!! I am not a horse person...but she DOES look so sad standing by the gate. :-( She sure does seem like a sweet sweet girl. I have enjoyed reading your Willow story. So glad she is getting healthier. :-)

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  7. I am really enjoying reading your journey with Willow. I volunteer at a wonderful horse sanctuary and one of the wild mustangs there picked me as his person. It is a humbling thing to have them chose to trust you, to say the least.

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  8. I know that feeling when you know they don't want you to go and your heart breaks. You are doing so much for her and she knows it. A beautitul bond has been formedbbetween you two.

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  9. SO sweet! You're her person. :) ♥

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  10. So sweet! Love the braid by the way. She looks really good now!

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  11. What a touching soul she has but to have her in your presence is priceless I'm sure. She looks like she is putting on a bit of weight.... She does love you and the fact that she protects you is very special indeed. What a feeling to keep in your pocket as the memory will always touch your heart for forever.

    Warm regards,
    Karla

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  12. A wonderful journey and story. She is looking healther. Can't wait to read more.

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  13. unspeakably moving Shana!!! What a magical relationship... and it has only just begun!!! You were clearly meant for each other. xx

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  14. I love your stories Shana. I know that look of 'don't leave!', when neither of you really want to separate. Your words, and your images are truly breathtaking. Thank you for sharing your beautiful talents, and your beautiful journey with Willow.

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  15. That Willow sure does love you Shana. She knows you saved her:)

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  16. Hi Shana - I have been following Willow's story from the beginning but had not read (or have seen the pictures) since December. I wanted you to know that I was BLOWN AWAY at how good she looks. Her eyes, stature, everything about her has so much life and expression. She looks like a very different horse - she looks happy, relaxed and loved!!!

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  17. Hi Shana,
    A friend sent me your blog. I am completely hooked. I have a roan colored mare named Velvet. I feel we have a very special bond also. I pray for Willow's complete recovery. With the fight she has inside her, and the love you have for her and she has for you, is the sure makings for a miracle.

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  18. What a sweet and precious bond the two of you have.

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  19. Hi Shana, I'm really enjoying reading Willow's story. She looks like she is doing so well. Her photo looks like she has gained a little weight. I have a rescue dog and I'm his person 100%. I know that feeling of being loved unconditionally and being protected. Anaimals are so amazing. Thank you for continuing your blog.
    Susan

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  20. This just warmed my soul. She's looking spectacular! I'm very anxious for another update & hope all is well.

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  21. thos is the first i have read of the blog...im bawling and so touched...love knows no boundaries...now these beautiful photos have so much more meaning...

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