Life has changed a lot for Little Love since I visited this blog last. In the beginning of June this year, she finally moved to an open barn to live with other horses 24/7. Although this place is situated slightly off the beaten track, it was the best thing that could have happened to her. Living in this sort of an environment meant more freedom, more autonomy. No more stalls, no more feeding times - this is as close as a horse can get to freedom while living in our modern world.
This barn is managed by a good friend of mine and her gelding Veller and Little Love hit it off immediately. It was as if they had known each other for decades - and perhaps they had, in another life. The two horses settled in to the new place immediately, eating in the fields at night and resting in the open barn during the hottest time of the day.
During the course of the past year and a half Little Love has gone through a complete character transformation and this last bit of freedom allowed her to show me yet another side of her. The gratitude and cooperation and kindness that emanates from my mare is overwhelming; she obviously loves her life. In addition, the truth has set me free as now I am completely certain that this is how horses should be living; with their own kind, free to move and to manage their own lives as much as possible.
There were some hardships as well; allergic reactions to bugs, hooves wearing down too much, too fast and a freak-accident that landed Little Love into the horse clinic in Helsinki for three days. But, despite the slight bumps in the road, this move was the right thing for Little Love. And for me.
Last spring brought some changes to my own situation as well. Together with the rest of my family, we made the decision to move back to the US, where were left seven years ago. Although I know this decision will eventually be the best one for my family, I made it with a heavy heart as I knew it would mean leaving Little Love behind. After seeing her in her current life and knowing what it would take to haul her across the ocean to California, I knew I would never be selfish enough to put her through such a journey. Her home is now in Finland, with Veller and his owner and with Melissa, of course. Little Love's story will continue with my best friend, to whom I know she will bring wisdom and joy and peace.
I will see Little Love again next summer, but until then, her and I will be connected through the energy of the world. Love is like that, it doesn't need a certain time or place to grow and bloom, it is everywhere, all the time, if that is how we choose to live it. There was a time when I thought I could never physically part from Little Love, I needed her presence so badly. I admit, the distance has been difficult at times. But then I close my eyes and I can feel her wisdom, her support. She is still there for me, even if we are half a world apart. She has taught me so much and now she is teaching me how to love without depending. I am taking this lesson in stride.
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| Veller and Little Love |
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| Melissa and Little Love |
