A Little More You

“I’m here fallin’ for you
My heart’s callin’ for you
I know I never can get enough
Don’t hold back one bit of your love
Strong and steady for you
I’m all ready
Come on, baby, give me a little more you”

–Little Big Town

I had the opportunity last March to watch Linda Parelli and her horse, Remmer, demonstrate their extraordinary relationship at Lynn Palm’s annual Women Luv Horses event in Ocala, Florida. I was completely awe struck, inspired, and desperately wishing for my own horse when she was through. The emotional impact was made even deeper by the pairing of her demonstration with music.  I am a huge lover of (almost) all music and I was taken right back to that moment in Florida when I heard “A Little More You” by Little Big Town today.

I believe Linda used this song to illustrate the relationship between a person and their horse, each needing to give their all to the other. Absolute commitment is required on both sides. This message echoes in my mind when thinking of our horse rescues and what they’ve gone through. Neglect, abandonment, and abuse. How can our rescues possibly give of themselves when they’ve received so little in return? How does one commit to something they fear?

I happened to be reflecting on what to cover in my post when Little Big Town’s song came on inducing images of Linda Parelli and Remmer jumping bareback and bridle less over picnic tables.  That takes commitment.  And  as the Volunteer Coordinator at People Helping Horses I know a thing or two about commitment.

When I took over the position, my personal view of humanity had been deeply shaken. Having experienced the drudgery of an overworked, underpaid, under appreciated waitress, I had become disillusioned with my fellow human beings. Slowly but surely, over the past year, I’ve been surprised and deeply moved by the undying dedication of our volunteers.  From helping with our Leg Up for Kids Therapeutic Riding to picking rocks out of our arenas, they show up. Through the ups and downs of their own lives, our volunteers are here, willing to do whatever it takes to secure a second chance for our horses. They really are giving us “a little more you.”

And in giving more of themselves the PHH rescues get the TLC they need to take the next step towards commitment. And if that’s not inspiring, I don’t know what is.

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