Feed me, water and care for me.
When my day's work is done, provide me with shelter,
A dry clean bed and a stall with enough room for me to lie down in comfort.
Always be kind to me. Talk to me. Your voice often means as much to me as the reins. Pet me sometimes, that I may serve you more gladly and learn to love you.
Do not jerk the reins and do not whip me when going up-hill.
Never strike, beat or kick me when I do not understand what you mean, but give me a chance to understand you.
Watch me and if I fail to do your bidding,
see if something is wrong with my saddle, harness or feet.
I cannot tell you when I am thirsty so give me clean, cool water often. I cannot tell you in words when I sam sick, so watch me, that by signs you may know my condition.
Give me all possible shelter from the hot sun, and put a blanket on me, not when I am working, but when standing in the cold. Never put a frosty bit in my mouth; first warm it by holding it a moment in your hands.
Examine my teeth when I do not eat,
I may have a sore tooth that is very painful.
Do not tie my head in an unnatural position or take away my best defence against flies by cutting off my tail.
I try to carry you and your burdens without a murmor, and wait patiently for you for long hours of the day or night. Without the power to choose my shoes or path, I sometimes fall on hard pavements which I have often prayed might be of such a nature as to give me a safe and sure footing. Remember that I must be ready at any moment to lose my life in your service.
And at last, my Master, when my strength is gone, do not turn me out in the pasture without shelter and let me freeze to death, or sell me to some cruel owner to be slowly starved, tortured or worked to death; but do thou, Master, take my life in the kindest way and your God will reward you here and in the hereafter.
You will not consider me irreverent if I ask this in the name of HIM ... who was born in a stable.
AMEN
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