I know my time is running out, for even a horse must die.
But may I share these thoughts with you before we say “goodbye”?
You’ve given me shelter, love, and care — and sweet green fields to roam.
Your hands so gentle to the touch, and for this old horse, a home.
How often in the years gone by so tired and depressed I longed to wander off alone and find a place to rest.
I dreamed that one day I might be a show-horse grand and great blue ribbons on my tack-room wall, but this was not my fate;
For laughing children on my back, quite often more than one was learning how to sit a horse; to them, it was great fun;
Some grown-ups often were unkind; they rode me long and hard.
Then, when my usefulness was gone, I was just an old discard.
I’ll dream no more of applause and fame; I’m content now on the farm.
You’ve shown me love and tenderness and kept me safe from harm.
I may not see the lilacs bloom nor hear the bluebird’s song, but for a little while, at least, I know I did belong.
To a special place upon the earth where old horses come to rest
And in my waning years of life, I know I had the best.
So, to every horse whose heart cries out for a friendly, safe caress,
Have faith that there will always be HAHS.