"A Horse's Prayer" Give me food and drink and care for me. And when the day's work is done, shelter me. Give me a clean bed and leave a large enough place in the stable that I might lay down in comfort. Talk to me, for your voice often takes the place of the reins. Be good to me, pet me and love me and I shall serve you more gladly and love you. Don't jerk at the reins.  Don't beat me or hit me if I misunderstand. Don't think me disobedient if I fail your will; perhaps there is something wrong with my harness, my saddle, my hooves or maybe it's a bad tooth--you know how that hurts. Don't tether me too tight and don't crop my tail--my only weapon against mosquitoes and flies. Don't find it disrespectful that I ask this of you. And when the time comes dear master, when I am no longer of use to you, don't let me starve or freeze, nor sell me. Don't give me a strange master who works me slowly to death and feeds me not. But be kind and prepare me for a quick and merciful end. God will reward you for it, now and through eternity. And I shall come to you, always...running. I pray this in the name of he who was born in a stable like me. Amen. (Author unkown)