A Horse's Prayer
"to thee, my master I offer you my prayer"

Feed me, water and care for me, and when the day's work is done provide me with shelter, a clean dry bed and a stall large enough for me to lie down in comfort.  Talk to me, your voice means as much as the reins.  Brush me and keep me clean and I will learn to love you and serve you gladly.  Do not jerk the lines and do not whip me because I do not understand you, give me the chance to understand your meaning.

Watch me.  If I fail to do your bidding, see if something is not wrong with my rigging, or perhaps I have not been properly shod and this can be very painful.  If I do not eat properly examine my teeth as I may have a severe problem in my mouth.

Blanket me when I return from the track and cover me with a stable sheet to protect me from flies and mosquitoes.  

And finally, O, my master, when my useful strength is gone, do not turn me out to starve and freeze, or sell me for a few paltry dollars to a packing house, or some cruel owner to be slowly tortured to death; but do thou, my master, take my life in the kindest way and your God will reward you here and hereafter.

You will not consider me irreverent, if I ask this in the name of Him who was born in a stable...Amen