Tuesday's story

Jennifer looked ahead down the trail and saw the gravel path leading to the creek. She shifted her weight in the saddle, checking to be sure it was still tight. She didn't know exactly what Sultan, her young gelding, would do when he saw the water for the first time. She focused on relaxing her muscles as they approached the turn in the trail that would make the creek visible.
As they rounded the bend, Sultan's ears perked up as his body tensed; he stopped, breathing loudly.
"It's ok, Sultan. Easy.", Jennifer murmured. He slowly relaxed as she continued to speak to him. When she felt he was ready, she asked him to move towards the rushing creek...one step, then another...suddenly he wheeled around and tried to take off at a run, away from the scary water! Jennifer regained control and considered going home. She took a few deep breaths and forced her legs to relax as she thought about it..it would be easier to go home. Having a horse spook when you're riding them is scary. Maybe she could just ride him in the arena instead of using him on trail...she was tired anyway..
"No!", she resolved. " I have to keep trying. I'm not helping Sultan if I let him learn to be afraid of water. I'm not helping myself if I give in to feeling afraid either."
For the next half hour, Jennifer walked Sultan down to the creek over and over again. Each time he would back up, afraid. Gradually, he began going a little further each time before spooking, and eventually, his hesitant hoof stepped into the ice cold water.
As they splashed to the other side of the creek, Jennifer grinned, happy that neither of them had given up.

Tuesday's featured breed is the arabian, with spiritual emphasis placed on the traits of endurance and perseverance.