The magic of horses

 Echoesofthemanes

The Magic of Horses

Even as a little girl, I was in love with horses. Their graceful bodies, majestic heads, and flowing manes dancing in the wind. They felt like creatures from another world—so large and magical. But more than anything, they exuded something I couldn’t find anywhere else: a serene sense of calmness. My fascination expressed itself in small ways. I collected anything in the shape of a horse—My Little Ponies, Barbie horses, and everything in between. At fairs or markets, my eyes always wandered to the ponies, patiently carrying children in circles. Theme parks like Bobbejaanland or Ponypark Slagharen were heaven to me. Not for the rollercoaster rides, but for part of the themes: horses. When I was ten years old, my dream finally came true. For the first time, I visited a riding school. I still remember it vividly. They let me ride their biggest horse, a towering giant named Romeo. It was just a slow walk, but to me, it felt like I was discovering the world. Every weekend I stayed with my dad, I got to ride. That’s where I met Okki, a stunning white pony and my absolute favorite. Those years at the riding school were magical. Later, I moved on to caring for a pony, together with a close friend. Her name was Amber—sweet and playful. Sadly, that chapter ended abruptly when the owner couldn’t keep his hands of my friend. What had been an innocent passion suddenly turned into a painful farewell. Life moved on, as it always does. Horses faded into the background but never disappeared from my heart. Sometimes, I’d join my nieces at the stables to watch their competitions. Those brief moments did something to me. Just the smell of straw and leather, the warmth of a horse’s skin under my hand—it felt like coming home. For a fleeting moment, I could be completely myself again. The years flew by. Twenty-five of them, to be exact. But the longing never left. With horses, I always felt at home. They don’t judge. They reflect your emotions like a mirror but offer comfort at the same time.

Horses did heal me, every time i spended time with them they fixed the heart they didn't break and the life they didn't mess up.

Finally, the opportunity came to make my lifelong dream a reality: owning a horse of my own. And not just anywhere—in Spain, where life moves at a slower, gentler pace. That’s where I found Raina. A young white mare, just five years old. She stood among the other horses, but something about her called out to me. She looked sad, with a runny nose, as though she’d forgotten what it felt like to be loved. (Horses did come and go at the stables, so probably it caused her stress aswell.) Yet, despite everything, she radiated a calm energy, a quiet sense of knowing. It felt as if there was an invisible thread connecting us, one I couldn’t ignore. Raina captivated me. And there, under the Spanish sun and surrounded by mountains, a new chapter began. A chapter where I didn’t just relive my dream but also rediscovered a part of myself.