Down the lane from the Macclesfield Road, the hooves thud in the sand;
Below the canopy of wind-swept gums, into this sanctuary you unexpectedly land.
Pony mad girls, big and small, mount their rides, a sense of calm instilled;
For on these majestic animals cantering around, their hearts are somehow fulfilled.
What is it about these four legged beasts that offers an unwitting therapy?
For my daughter, the horse is a constant in her life, a feeling that will forever be.
As a horse mum, I spend much time here or travelling to and fro;
And yet, if my daughter didn’t ride, it’s not a place I would normally go.
And in that moment of revelation, I can’t imagine it’s a place I’d never be;
for even me, who doesn’t ride at all, this place is a kind of sanctuary.
Away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the paddock commands its own ebb and flow;
The feeling doesn’t change at all, whether covered in spring wattle or under sleet and snow.
The ritual of stable life, a peaceful whinny and the swish of a tail;
Reminds me of what is important in life, and the sense of calm never fails.
Sanctuaries can come in all shapes and sizes, but they all share one thing;
And that is the therapy they give you, and the sense of quiet they bring.
Do you love the world of Bethany Sinclair-Giardini? Read more of her works here; https://mountainashchapter.com.au/?author=12