Patsy thought about her life with horses.She thought about how a rider’s life is measured out in horses.Each measure begins with the first sighting, the cool assessment of conformation, movement, and character.But through daily work and struggle that coolness is replaced with stubborn commitment.From commitment comes pride as the athlete emerges, the horse returning the pride with bloom and joy.And without being able to say when it will happen, a partnership is forged.But a horse’s life is short.And the power must fade toward the sadness of final partings: always before all the mysteries are unlocked.And so, for any true horseman, there must come another, and another, as you seek the answers, measuring out your days.But, surely this last one was the last one, because eventually everyone must fade away, including herself.But a small space in her heart is left open.She still has mysteries to unlock.The last measure has not been played.
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