The Horses' Prayer

Feed me, give me water, and care for me, and when the day's

work is done, give me shelter, a clean bed and a wide stall.

Talk to me. Your voice often substitutes for the reins for me.

Be good to me and I will serve you cheerfully and love you.

Don't jerk the reins and don't raise the whip.

Don't beat or kick me when I don't understand you,

but rather give me time to understand you.

Don't consider it disobedience if I don't follow your commands.

Perhaps there is a problem with my saddle and bridle or hooves.

Check my teeth if I don't eat, maybe I have a toothache.

You know how that hurts.

Don't halter me too short and don't dock my

tail... it's my only weapon against flies and mosquitoes.

And at the end, dear master, when I am no longer any use to you,

don't let me go hungry or freeze and don't sell me.

Don't give me a master who slowly tortures me to death and lets me starve,

but rather be merciful and take care of me,

by letting me run and enjoy a warm pasture.

Let me request this of you and please don't regard it as disrespectful

if I ask it in the name of Him who was born in a stable like me.