I worked as a groom/stablehand for a large dressage facility in the 80s and 90s, and I lived in the working student house for three years. This is a story of a sweet bay horse that touched my life.
When Cavan arrived at the barn, he was scared of people. He was so fearful he would lunge for you with teeth bared if you dared to get close. Feeding him was an adventure-- run in with grain, run out. Watch your back. Don't get complacent. He was grumpy, sour and sad.
Luckily for him, Cavan was assigned to my wonderful friend and roommate at the time, Nikki. She found a horse that truly needed her. It was a perfect match. We loved Cavan and did our best to show him that not ALL people would mistreat him. I would always talk soothingly to him even when his ears were laced back. Slowly, those ears pricked forward when I talked to him. Cavan was so open to trusting people again. Soon, I could feed him without fearing for my life.
Nikki and I persisted with our affection for this bay horse and soon - Cavan was cured! No longer a danger, he blossomed into a reliable and wise school horse. Everyone loved him. I could actually hang out with him in his stall and just “be” with him. He would lower his head as I gently stroked his face and ears. His eyes would get sleepy as he drank in the kindness I gave him.
He never lashed out in fear again.
Thank you, Cavan, for showing me that love always overcomes fear and sadness. You are a noble muse to this equine artist.
Cavan by Helen Scanlon 9" x 12" watercolor and ink on Canson cold-press watercolor paper, 140 lb. NFS
