The happiness of having a horse

What does it feel like to have a horse?

 Ever since I was little, I dreamed of having a horse of my own. I used to watch the horses at the nearby stables, running my fingers over their soft noses, imagining what it would feel like to ride freely under the open sky. That dream stayed with me for years, quietly waiting in the background of my busy life.

Last spring, I finally met her—Bella, a gentle bay mare with curious eyes and a silky mane. Bringing her home was like stepping into a dream I had carried for so long. I remember opening the gate and watching her cautiously explore the pasture, sniffing every corner, and then looking back at me as if to say, “I trust you.” My heart swelled in a way I hadn’t known was possible.

Taking care of Bella isn’t always easy. There are early mornings when I wake to clean her stall, evenings spent grooming her until her coat shines, and days when the rain makes everything muddy and challenging. But every bit of effort feels worthwhile. The way she leans into me when I scratch her withers, the soft nickers when I arrive, and the steady rhythm of our rides together—these little moments make all the hard work vanish.

Owning Bella has taught me patience, responsibility, and a quiet joy that fills me completely. There’s magic in seeing her gallop across the meadow, mane flying in the wind, knowing that I am a part of her happiness. For me, every year is the Year of the Horse :)