by Anne-Marie, age 10

I dream of horses galloping in a valley, wild, majestic and free.

Manes and tails flying, hearts racing, eyes ablaze and nostrils flaring.

Heading toward the beach, ears prick forward at the sound of rolling waves.

They gallop so quickly, it looks as if they are floating above the ground.

Chesnuts, bays, blacks, browns, whites, greys, palominos and paints…

Though there are many in such a large herd, not one horse is left behind.

Their whinnies, snorts and nickers are music to my ears.

At sunset the horses return to the quiet valley, now thirsty and tired.

They join together, making room for each other to drink from the pond.

Stallions, mares and their foals lay down to rest under a beautiful starry sky.

Perhaps dreaming of the awesome freedom and adventure of tomorrow…

They are beautifully unrestrained, and this seems so natural to me.

Beginning March 1st 2010, Girls Horse Club will host March for Wild Horses here at our virtual barn. The intent is to use our collective, creative voice to speak out for the rights of wild and feral horses on public lands, and show our support for the individuals and organizations who are their loving protectors. Throughout the month we’ll publish stories, essays, poems, and artwork created by horse girls, inspired by wild horses. Please check the event calendar to the right for key dates, beginning with open submissions on February 19th.

I Dream of Wild Horses by Anne-Marie was first published at GHC in the former Loft Book Club in April 2007.