A Working Horse's Prayer

To thee, my master, I offer my prayer.  Feed me, water and care for me, and when the day’s work is done provide me with shelter, a clean dry bed and stall wide enough for me to lie down in comfort.

Always be kind to me.  Talk to me.  Your voice often means as much to me as the reins.  Pet me sometimes, that I may serve you more gladly and learn to love you.  Do not jerk the reins, and do not whip me when going up hill.  Never strike, beat or kick me when I do not understand what you want, but give me a chance to understand you.  Watch me, and if I fail to do your bidding, see if something is wrong with my gear or my feet.

Do not check me so that I can not have the free use of my head.  If you insist that I wear blinders, so that I can not see behind me as it was intended I should, I pray you be careful that the blinders stand well out from my eyes.

Do not overload me, or hitch me where water will drip on me.  Keep me well shod.  Examine my teeth when I do not eat; I may have an ulcerated tooth and that, you know is very painful.  Do not tie my head in an unnatural position, or take away my best defence against flies and mosquitoes by cutting off my tail or forelock.  I can not tell you when I am thirsty, so give me clean, cool water often.   Save me by all means in your power from all fatal diseases.  I can not tell you in words when I am sick, so watch me, that by signs you may know my condition.  Give me all possible shelter from the hot sun, and put a blanket on me when I am standing in the cold.  Never put a frosty bit in my mouth; first warm it by holding it a moment in your hands.

I try to carry you and your burdens without a murmur, and wait patiently for you long hours of the day and night.  Without the power to choose my shoes or path, I will fall on cement so guide me to such a nature as to give me safe and sure footing.  Remember that I must be ready at any moment to receive injury if you’re thoughtless with your commands.

And finally, O My Master, when my useful strength is gone, do not turn me out to starve or freeze, or sell me to some cruel owner to be slowly tortured and starved to death; but do thou, my Master, take my life in the kindest way.  Your GOD will reward you here and hereafter.  You will not consider me irreverent if I ask this in the name of Him who was born in a Stable.