Feeling the Spirit

By Cindy Orcutt

When I first walked onto the property where the Rickman Spanish Mustangs were located, I could feel the Spirit of these horses. Even though it was a cold April morning, I was drawn to being outside with the horses. Having not been around horses much growing up, I felt a little scared at first because of their size. I was surprised at how the horses came up to us, nuzzled our backs and our outstretched hands. When I touched the horses, I could feel the Spirit of everything the horses represented. I could feel the souls of the gentle people who protected them during dire times. I could feel the pure energy of life and all that is good and pure in this world. Being a Choctaw Indian, I felt a kinship with these gentle creatures. I knew it wasn't just the horses - it was the spirit of what they stood for. It was the history of these horses and unique in their genetics, history, geography and contributions to the people of Oklahoma. It was the fact that since 1980, their genetics have been carefully and lovingly preserved in the foundation herds of Bryant and Darlene Rickman of southeastern Oklahoma. It was the fact that these horses had survived the threats coming from many directions, and the near starvation they survived many times.
Something told me that these horses, like all of the Universe's creations, are divinely guided and protected.
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