A Sacred Pact - Gifted Horsewoman and Her Mare

One of the most sacred experiences I enjoy on a regular basis is watching my house mate, Triana, work with her horses, especially her mare, Star. She truly has a gift for understanding and communicating with horses. It is truly amazing how responsive Star is to Triana. Star is always looking at her to see what the next move needs to be.

Oh, yes, Star can be stubborn, but with patience by Triana as well as gentle words and soothing touches, pretty soon Star is cooperative.


There is a special relationship, almost a secret pact between them that no one else can understand or break. It is mysteriously sacred and yet paradoxically a beautifully open exchange to watch.

Even the smallest steps have a significance in their special communication with one another.

The responsiveness of star to her mistress is a credit to Triana's gifts as a horsewoman.


I wrote the following poem and have dedicated it to Triana and her horse Star It says what I want to say about the two of them better than any essay I could write.

In Your Eyes

Full of dreams I came to you,
Over Your head I slipped the halter
All the while your eyes held mine,
Your gaze never to falter.

As I led you into the ring,
I could see it in your eyes,
As soon as I let go of the rope,
I’m always in for quite a surprise. .

Like the wind you run,
Round and round that ring,
With breathtaking speed
As if your hooves had taken wing.

Spellbound, I stand there
Wishing to watch you all day,
But there is a time for slowing
So “trrr ot”, I say.

And miraculously you slow
To the sound of my voice.
and I am in awe that with your power
You make such a choice.

As your head turns
And you eyes meet mine,
We watch each other
and you look for a sign.

And in your eyes,
I see understanding so amazing,
As I again give you a sign
And your powerful hooves go blazing.

How is it that you respond
And understand me so well?
I see the answer in your eyes
A secret only they can tell.

We whisper to each other
Because of our special ties,
A language so sacred,
It is spoken with the eyes.

A language of understanding,
A language of grace,
A language in which power
Shows its true place.

With sleek muscled black body
And mane tossed by the wind,
Your eyes say, “I can run free, but I won’t.”
And your desire you rescind.

In your eyes are life’s lessons
And the wisdom of the ages
That reach into my heart.
Where my desire rages.

Your eyes reflect power’s true power
Not acting on it is not to lose it.
Power’s true power lies in having it,
making the choice not to use it.”

In your eyes our struggle is much the same
We both struggle with letting go
And acting on conviction rather than desire
Is a struggle that you well know.

In Your eyes our two worlds meet,
and we share a sacred pact,
that in our work together
We teach each other how to act.

Full of dreams I come to you, my dark mare,
My dreams that have had many tries.
The answer to fulfilling my dreams,
I find when I look in your eyes.