Golden Friends

I stood and watched through the rails of the old rustle fence where across the field and cresting a hill 2 old friends walked side by side. I could see them in the distance with the sun brushing the Yukon Mountains that surround them as if holding them in a warm embrace, that backdrop changing as the morning light moves along changing every second. Their bodies and heads bent towards each other taking solace and joy in each other’s company, sharing one of a million quiet moments they have shared over the years. How many years have passed, how many secrets held close? Both the keeper of each other’s most precious thoughts, guardian of secrets. Unconditional friendship and love. They walk freely and easily together stopping every once in awhile to share a hug or a smile

Itchy , a beautiful Haflinger, came into Erin’s life because she wished for him so hard and for so long. She prepared herself so completely in order to recognize the moment when he would arrive. Like so many gift of miracles, he came quietly, unannounced. He waited patiently until their paths aligned and crossed, their meeting was preordained and inevitable. Both came to each other innocent and wide-eyed, smiling with a deep and timeless recognition; they were always meant to be friends. Maybe he wished so hard for her too.

Itchy came with bumps and pointy bits, he was slightly tarnished with imprints of his life. He was not broken instead brave and hopeful, he possessed a huge heart full of love and had but one sole request, to be wholly accepted and loved for who he was, who he is. In return, he has gifted Erin his complete and absolute love for who she is including her life imprints, bumps and pointy bits. In a sense, he has taught her the value of a good friend, how to be a good friend and how to have one. He stood patiently by her side as she moved through her life, taking in it’s lessons. Erin loves him completely. We are so much more than what people choose to see on the outside.

Years of endless fun, tears, lessons and laughter have passed. A young girl loving an older precocious pony who was under her spell, he would follow her anywhere. In return, he taught her how to fly, he held her tightly near to him until she could fly without him, because of him.

Time….so now they are old friends with a million memories to share. Walking side by side enjoying the moment. The young girl is now a young woman, the pony an old man. Each of them have touched each others lives leaving an imprint filled with love and acceptance. Erin has gifted that imprint on other horses, Nyah her newest love already basking in the love of Erin; Itchy’s imprint……. together, their imprint.

As Itchy bends towards Erin to hug, his eyes close as she hugs his face, I see a few more white hairs on his nose and a content smile on both of their faces.