"The Eastern Breeze" a poem reflecting on the Friesian spirit

The Eastern Breeze

Does the eastern breeze
call your noble name
as you crane your neck
toward centuries old?

Do you gaze toward
the Northern Sea, hear
the Roman Legions march,
seek Hadrian's Wall?

Do the clouds conjure
ancient battles of Munster,
Aduard, and Cologne

as the eastern breeze
calls your beauty black
to reclaim a spirit bold?

by Margaret Bednar, September 3, 2013

Sebastian is only half Friesian, yet there are times he looks up and gazes in the distance and I can really see the influence of his magnificent ancestor!   I don't own him anymore, James Cooler does, but I get to see Sebastian at the barn where I board Oberon, my Quarter Horse who is adorable and cute - but he doesn't quite have the presence Sebastian does.

Below is a beautiful video and a few pictures of a Friesian Stallion being ridden at the beach (they LOVE water)

"A Moment, Realized". A Poem

A Moment, Realized

Life is a series of moments, flickering quickly,
soon forgotten as I hurtle myself
toward each new sensory and you, often
with me, eagerly round each bend,

traverse each hill, two souls adventuring
into seconds, minutes, hours.  My youth
beats to the rhythm of your hooves,
your name caresses my lips each night

as I pray our connection lasts,
hope we learn to pause more often,
like this morning when you honored me

with your trust, your gentleness -
the moment I realized it is not I who offers up
the greater sacrifice, the greatest gift.

by Margaret Bednar, July 7, 2013

Summer is rapidly flying by and we are often too hot to ride these past couple of weeks.  Lots of hosing down, lots of early morning and evening visits to the barn.  I think I have always preferred fall as the bugs start going away and the heat recedes -- perfect riding weather.

My Totem, a poem by Margaret Bednar

My Totem

We are riders
on the storm of life,

paths crossing, pausing

to bask in china blue sky's
gentle breath.

For but a moment
you lean into me, content,
heartbeats shared.

Submissiveness
is often considered
weakness,

but your spirit,
gentled, is truly
a powerful guardian.

by Margaret Bednar, June 23, 2013

For a poetry challenge I was to use a title of one of Jim Morrison's songs to use in a poem.  I selected "Riders on the Storm".

I don't own Sebastian anymore, I only have one horse, Oberon.  But I get to see Sebastian all the time as we are at the same barn.

Oberon & my daughter "The Greatest Gift" a poem

The Greatest Gift

Gentleness is
a gift far greater
than strength,

like filtered sun,
seeps bone deep,
settles the heart

and peace is born.

by Margaret Bednar, June 3, 2013

"Teamwork"

Teamwork

Seventh place, dead last,
sixth, fourth, two thirds,
smile upon her face, unforced;

perseverance, a beautiful canter,
a winning smile,
and their first blue ribbon.

Matches the one
she carries in her heart.

Margaret Bednar, May 6, 2013

Linked with Imaginary Garden with Real Toad's "Open Link Monday".

Haven't posted for a while, but that doesn't mean we haven't been busy at the barn.  My daughter's have been working hard preparing for a few open shows.   Oberon has been "adjusting" to a tighter rein.  He's not as thrilled as the girls are, but he's been a good boy.   I will share some lessons with you in the next few posts...

Hopes & Dreams

Hopes & Dreams

Simplicity

I grasp

as day

gives way

to evening

shade,

hopes

and dreams

illuminated

and shared

as my pony

nickers

and nods

encouragement.

by Margaret Bednar

Linked with the poetry site "Imaginary Garden with Real Toad's Open Link Monday"

Mustang - a Poem

Mustang

My loyal and true heart
is a cowboy's desire,

but his soothing words
and gentle hands

make promises
I know he won't keep.

I'm not so easily swayed
as are the ladies,

for my eyes will always yearn
for what he can't give me.

Perhaps that's my appeal;
we both long for the same thing.

by Margaret Bednar, January 30, 2013

This is for Poetry Jam "The Beast in You" and Friday Flash 55 (will link up with Thursday after 8pm) - 55 words, no more, no less.

I have been BUSY lately.  I moved yet again to a new barn... I will be updating here about that soon.

Easily Replaced?

My handsome Oberon

Easily Replaced

I wouldn't miss
your brown liquid eyes
upon me, your warm,
tender lips softly searching,
nibbling my shoulder,
seeking my caress.

I wouldn't miss
your adventurous spirit,
nor the way you light up
when you see me,
nor the way you listen
to my singing, content.

I wouldn't miss
the way you love me.

by Margaret Bednar, 11-4-2012

This has NOTHING to do with the fact I carry treats on me.

Don't you LOVE his furry winter coat?  It's going to get even fuzzier soon.

Looking pretty cute in his cooling down blanket

The Pick-up Line

My iPhoto improved with Kim Klaussen's "Oh My" Texture

The Pick-up Line

A Gelding's Boast

Back in the day
when I ran with the colts,
I was an "Outlaw",
untamed vigor,
no cowboy could tame...

A Mare's Thoughts

"They're all the same..."


by Margaret Bednar, October 12, 2012


This is linked with Kim Klaussen's "Texture Tuesday" & IGWRT's "Music with Marian" subject"  Outlaw/Crazy.    I don't think this is exactly what the prompt was looking for, but it is what I could do with the time I have available today.

This is a photo of the new stables my horse, Oberon, is boarding.  I sold my horse, Sebastian, to my manager trainer and they are now at a different barn as well.  I am really excited, though, as I may be trail riding with Sebastian & James this weekend.

If you are a Buck Brannaman fan, check back here in a few days as I have a few photos and a rundown of the clinic I attended a couple of weeks ago.

Man o' War, a poem

Man o' War

America's genetic gold,
son of "good tidings",

veins throbbed fire,
his mind, desire.

Had a 26-foot stride
that soared as if winged.

Rebellious youngster,
"like holding a tiger's tail",

he became "De mostest hoss
that ever drew breath."

He transcended his sport,
a "Babe Ruth" of the track,

truly "brought one close
to divinity."


by Margaret Bednar  9.20.12

Man o' War and his caretaker, Will Harbut

Click on the above link (under the picture of him with his groom if you are interested in reading about this famous race horse.

I just finished re-reading a book I had from my childhood "Man o' War" by Walter Farley.  It is fiction, but largely based on fact.  A very uplifting read!  I highly recommend it.

Fred Stone  has painted many a magnificent horse.  I'm considering purchasing this poster of Man o' War.

Secretariat, A Poem

Secretariat

Red roses -

Speak of a heart, large,

of a race run, not of consciousness

but of style, explosive.

Black-eyed Susans -

A ticket, cherished, preserved,

for Pegasus finally appeared

and God whispered "Go".

White Carnations -

Like a locomotive, no limits,

out front, Big Chestnut!

Circle the field...

Heroes live forever.

by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, June 28, 2012

Secretariat as a baby in the fall of 1970 at the Meadow Stable
in Doswell, VA  - courtesy of Google Images

I'm not a huge race horse fan.  I remember as a little girl worrying about the horses falling and breaking a leg.  But this big boy's story amazes me and inspires me.  I loved the Hollywood movie, and perhaps it wasn't factual, but it was inspiringly beautiful.  I highly recommend it.

One of the last videos of Secretariat in the pasture:

 

My favorite photo to date is below.  It is of Secretariat with his groom, Eddie Sweat.   The website and article I got this photo from is HERE.

"Harnessed Speed" a poem

Historical Racetracks and Harness Horses HERE

Harnessed Speed

We'd often see

a cloud of dust

rise and linger

upon the horizon,

knew father's fine pacer

was sweeping

the winding road

back towards our farm.

He'd arrive

eyes a-twinkle,

hair askance,

us eagerly awaiting

the buggy switch.

Head back into town

proudly, sedately steer

the Pierce Arrow

down Main Street;

no matter our urging

for speed. We knew

Race Street paralleled,

but the early morning's action

wasn't for young ladies.

by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, July 17, 2012

Here is my great grandfather (my grandmother back row, left) with his four girls in perhaps ... a Pierce Arrow?

Most cities and towns have a "Main Street", but back in the day, many had a "Race Street" and/or "Trotter's Alley" as well.

This poem is loosely based upon my Grandfather, Herbert Hutchins.  (How I wish I had a photo of him with his fine horses!  I do have a few of  him with his plow horses, but not his pacers).  My grandmother said he loved his horses and was one of the first to purchase a car.

I do not know what kind of horse he had, and whether he had a pacer or a trotter.  If he owned a Standardbred, here is a little history on them:  The name originated because the early trotters (pacers would not come into favor until much later) were required to reach a certain standard for the mile distance in order to be registered as part of the new breed.  The mile is still the standard distance covered in nearly every harness race.

The first Standardbred races were contested along long roads, with men challenging their friends to     see who had the swifter steed.  Often the streets of major cities were cleared and races conducted.  That's why so many American cities have a "Race Street".

If you are interested, HERE is a link with some nice old photos of historical racetracks and harness horses.

This post is linked with and a response to  "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads "Kerry's Wednesday Challenge - On the Road"

Mare Stare, LLC - a live CAM! and a poem "A Common Bond"

A Common Bond

Nuzzling wobbly legs

supportive, she nickers

encouragement, 

blocks perceived danger,

nips tender warning

upon youthful shoulder,

responsive.

I send mine off,

weary with backpack

deadlines looming large.

Lighten her load

I offer help,

her youthful shoulder

dismissive.

A common bond shared

this mare and I.  Alas,

her sweet job's just begun

mine's run its course.

by Margaret Bednar

HERE is a site with a "streaming cam" that allows one to watch live a mare that is about to foal, foaling, or taking care of her newborn foal.  I am watching my friend's horse WRosieQ and two mares  at Premier Friesians Cam #1 and Premier Friesians Cam #2.   It will be so fun watching WRosie give birth and she is due very soon - we thought perhaps last night.

(If you are interested in watching the steam, click on the link and cursor down and select... they are not all activated... it depends upon the foaling schedule of each farm)

The photo above is one I took of WRosie "big and prego!" and will post more once she delivers.  Do any of you remember how you felt hours, days just before delivery!?

The poem is for "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Ella's Edge - Writing Poetry from the Inside Out". I sort of followed the rules... it is raining outside so I used the "CAM" as my outside this morning and also used what was going on "inside" my world... taking my daughter back to college this morning.  (We live within 35 minutes of the school, and since she was sick, I wanted her home resting ... so I AM still needed... sometimes :)

I posted this on my photography/poetry blog, but thought this post fits in quite well here as well!  :)

Oberon's "Blanket of Dreams"

A blanket of dreams I wear

resembling "Big Red" himself

don't you think?

I strike a pose

worthy of a triple crown winner

my sporty stripes cover

a studly physique

flowers tossed from admirers

cause me to prance and paw the ground

rear, cause a ruckus

because I can...

Neigh, snort, we horses dream too.

Oberon, Art Happens 365, March 15, 2012

This is for "Friday Flash 55" - a story in 55 words - no more, no less.   My girls and I were so happy when it snowed for a few days in February and were able to put Oberon's "cooling off" blanket on.  Well, it really wasn't necessary as we don't work our horses up in a frothy sweat during the winter months, but he does look cute, doesn't he?

The above b&w photo is linked with "Friday Fences #25"  

I have been away from blog land for about three weeks... we have our house on the market now and wow, this was not an easy job!  Purging quickly became my favorite past time (much easier than reorganizing!  :)  

"Tamed Passion" a poem by Sebastian!

Tamed Passion

Passionately I prance

to my own rhythm

structure unacceptable.

A noble steed am I

breathing in untamed freedom,

all rules cast aside.

Intensity shines forth

from my poetic soul,

feet drumming

a mystical beat,

but I confess

I'll humble myself,

cast it all aside

for a tempting morsel

of apple, carrot, or grass.

By Sebastian, Art Happens 365, February 3, 2012

My Pony, Velvet, when I was a child in the 1970's

Velvet, Our Pony

Softness of heart, Velvet, her name;

of shaggy coat and gentle gaze.

Her short legs worked overtime

to stay in front of the pack
as the lead she liked to maintain.

One blue eye, one brown, always cautious.

Watchful babysitter, she, on many a rambunctious day.

Summer mornings, warm and promising, off we went

field eagerly crossed, sister and I securely upon her back.

Traversing up and down the quarry 

through tall cornfield and railroad tracks,

wading along river bank, and forest trail.

Aware of the way home, she always led us back.

Until the day our feet 

nearly dragged upon the ground. 

We knew our journeys had come to an end.  

With joy, I must admit, we welcomed a bigger horse,

one eager to explore and take us away, fast.

Behind the fence we heard her whinny,

her indignant cry of being, finally, left behind.

Never again did she join the pack, 

no leader she.  Resigned to wait 

until we returned, greeting us eagerly.

She cared for us when we were small

and watched us outgrow her.  We brushed and petted

and walked her by lead.  The big horse moved on 

when we finally grew up, but she was family, 

beloved and cherished, she remained.

by Margaret Bednar

* * * * *

The top is a photo of my sister and me with our pony, Velvet.  I am standing and my sister has our dog, Sugar, in her lap.  Looking at this picture it both seems so long ago AND like it was yesterday... how can that be?

Well, as I fight the lump in my throat, I can look back and say how lucky we were to grow up in an "innocent" time when we kids didn't worry about being out ALL day, wandering around the countryside, only coming home when we were either hungry or it was starting to get dark.  And our pony was usually with us!  My horse was beloved too.  But when we moved out of the house and got our own apartments, he was sold.  My mom refused to part with Velvet - she said a better caretaker of her children she could never have found!  

This is me in my "beloved" (not really) polyester green 4-H outfit.  Velvet was a great little pony, always well liked by the judges.  She brought home the blue ribbon for both of us this day.  She knew her leads and trotted along so slowly.  Tucked her head in nicely when asked to back up.  Horse shows were not my "thing", though.  My sister, to this day does raise horses and shows them professionally (give me trail riding any day!).

Maybe I would have felt differently if I had been given a better outfit...  :)

"Sebastian" A Poem

Sebastian

I renamed you Sebastian,

majestic and revered, it fits you to a tee.

Yes, Raven's obsidian son you are,

elegant and powerful for all to see.

Thee of swift and graceful agility;

born Falcon, I can see why.

In Ludse's image freedom continues to soar

on wings of strength, a poetic vision floating by.

by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, October 14, 2011

 You can click on the link above to see Sebastian's grandfather and see his father in the photo below.  

Raven, Sebastian's Friesian father