The Wild One

"The Wild One" we called him.

A big brown, muscled gelding, standing a full 16 hands. Noone could do anything with him. He would lash out, rearing high, showing his power. Hooves cutting the air, eyes rolling, ears laid back, forcing most of his terrified handlers to take cover. Wild neighs would ring out, as teeth showing, he stood ready to take a bite from anyone too slow or unsuspecting.

But when left alone, if looked at closely, there was a sad look in those big, brown eyes: a "help me" look. They mirrored many past wrongs and hurts. Injuries and scars inflicted by rough, thoughtless people who knew little of riding or training a horse.

Old scars bore the proof of where spurs had dug in and where whips had cracked him. Proof of ignorant humans, who thought cruetly was the answer to breaking a horse. But it had only served to make him wilder, more difficult to handle and enhanced his name of The Wild One.

How he longed for even just one kind word. Someone to be gentle, kind; to understand that he wasn't bad - just made bad by people. Instead of a carrot, he'd always been given a sharp slap or a harsh word.

No wonder the poor misjudged horse had a dislike for humans. No wonder he reared in deference. It was only natural.

Time however was running out. If nothing could be done with him he was to be "sent away" - whatever that meant. The fact was, he no longer cared.

He was tired of it all. Tired of all the ill - treatment, the nasty words, the raised voices. Often the frustration would overwhelm him, making him buck and kick out until he was exhausted or someone appeared to "deal with him", when all he really needed was a little kindness.

As if by magic, his rescuer appeared, an elderly man in soiled moleskins and a dirty flannel shirt, with scuffed boots and thinning hair. Understanding eyes looked straight into those of The Wild One, penetrating his thoughts. To The Wile One it appeared that at last perhaps here was someone who might understand. Someone who could communicate, glimpse into a haunted past. The Wild One gave a little nicker of greeting to this welcome friend and stretched out his nose.

His owner, the rough voiced man, raised his hand, ready to strike the horse, but was stopped by the kind old man, who grasped his arm in a grip that had streghth to it. The old man gently stroked The Wild One's nose and began talking to him gently. The horse could harldy believe it!

He hadn't felt a gentle pat or heard a kind word spoken for years! Instinctively he backed away, suspicious. What if this was a trick? Was he finally being "sent away"? The old man spoke to the owner as the horse stood watching nervously. The two men finally shook hands and the owner disappeared, fetching a halter and leadrope, which he handed to the old man.

Inside the dark, damp shed in which The Wild One spent most of his long lonely days, the old man approached quietly. He put the halter on and the horse camly followed him out to whatever fate awaited him.

He followed the kind stranger onto the trailer and, with no regrest, left his home forever. Ears pricked and eyes full of uncertainty, the horse wondered where he would now end up. The trailer rocked gently, lulling him into a sense of calmness he'd never felt before.

At last when the vehicle stopped and the ramp was let down, the horse was led out. A large paddock, dotted with a few horses greeted him. A neat row of box stalls suggested a general air of cheerfulness he's never before experienced. He was led into a clean roomy stall with an overflowing haynet. He even had a view over the paddock from his half door.

The old man watched smiling. From his long experience with horses he knew this was an intelligent animal only in need of a little kindness and understanding. The perfect recipe to erase all the hurts and make a good horse.

With time and perseverance, the horse would become devoted to the wise old man, gradually sharing his trust and confidence. Both horse and trainer were to become well known and admired at many local shows and events. Understanding, patience and the skill of a good horseman had given The Wild One a new life. A good formula for any partnership.

What is the feeling of happiness.

Feeling Content is happiness.

Happiness and contentment. These are the two emotions that go hand in hand. For most of us we feel the happiest when we have a sense of contentment inside. When the outside pressures can be left aside and you can have a certain "snuggly and warm" feeling inside.

Happiness doesn't have to be all jolly and laughing - you know 'let the good times roll' feeling. In fact, for many, they need to think about what true happiness is for themselves. Happiness is a very personal state. Truly happy people have a special aura around them that often times will attract others to them.

Being content again, is a personal thing. Being satisfied with the way life has been for you and what it is to become, will play a part of what makes you happy. Again, people who are content with themselves will again attract others.