The Artillery Horses Prayer
"To thee, my master, I offer my prayer.
"Treat me as a living being, not as a machine.
"Feed me, water and care for me, and when the day's work is done, groom me carefully so that my circulation may act well, for remember: a good grooming is equivalent to half a feed. Clean my feet and legs and keep them in good condition, for they are the most important parts of my body.
"Pet me sometimes, be always gentle to me so that I may serve you the more gladly and learn to love you.
"Do not jerk the reins, do not whip me when I am going up-hill. Do not force me out of the regular gait or you will not have my strength when you want it. Never strike, beat or kick me when I do not understand what you mean, but give me a chance to understand you. Watch me, and if I fail to do your bidding, see if something is not wrong with my harness or feet.
"Don't draw the straps too tight: give me freedom to move my head. Don't make my load too heavy, and oh! I pray thee, have me well shod every month.
"Examine my teeth when I do not eat; I may have some teeth too long or I may have an ulcerated tooth and that, you know, is very painful. Do not tie my head in an unnatural position or take away my best defense against flies and mosquitoes by cutting off my tail.
"I cannot, alas, tell you when I am thirsty, so give me pure, cold water frequently. Do all you can to protect me from the sun; and throw a cover over me-not when I am working, but when I am standing in the cold.
"I always try to do cheerfully the work you require of me: and day and night I stand for hours patiently waiting for you.
"In this war, like any other soldier, I will do my best without hope of any war-cross, content to serve my country and you, and, if need be, I will die calm and dignified on the battlefield; therefore, oh! my master, treat me in the kindest way and your God will reward you here and hereafter.
"I am not irreverent if I ask this, my prayer, in the name of Him who was born in a stable."
- Captain De Condenbove, French Army, WWI
Hi Lynn
.
This is a great prayer. It really makes you realise what a great responsibility it is to care for a horse and what an honour it is to work with them.
.
I also believe that God has given humanity a great gift in the horse and he blesses those who are kind to them.
.
Kind regards,
.
Gen
Such a Wonderful Prayer.
A Perfect Reminder of All Things Learned From Many, Through The Years.
So Wonderfully Said By One Man, Many Years Ago!
Thanks Lynn
what a lovely prayer and so,so, true.
Thank you for the prayer. Tomorrow November 11th is Veterans Day in the United States and we honor those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for their fellow man, but we often overlook all the animals that have served mankind for centuries. I Posted this link a fee weeks ago, but I am posting it again and hope you take the time to view it and appreciate what horses will do for you, if only you ask and are worthy of their loyalty.
Cheers
OOPS
here is the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIo3ZfA9da0
Thank you so much for taking the time to share this prayer.... 'timeless horse care'
That's a lovely prayer Lynn, thanks for sharing it, as a christian, I believe that God has commanded us to care for his creation with the best of care.
Dennis, thanks for sharing that great video! I had a family member that served in the Korean War
What a wonderful prayer, I shall certainly go to bed tonight and give thanks for god wonderful gift to mankind . THE HORSE