Bettina Drummond was a teacher and trainer of French Classical dressage and haute ecole, always seeking balance and lightness. She was also a founder of the Association for the Protection of the Art of Horsemanship in America. One of her phrases “it takes the time it takes” has echoed true through my own mentor for years. In light of Bettina’s passing yesterday, I wanted to share along this beautiful poem she wrote that I think will connect with all of us horse lovers. Special thanks to Keystone Equine for sharing it forward.
The Stallion in the Garden by Bettina Drummond
"“When halfmoon sets and satiated night retires,
When amongst the shadows sing unearthly choirs,
Then the owl’s beat is measured out,
Then the gleaming eyes are put to rout.
A fleeting glimpse of fire on silvered snow,
A fluid line of power in a constant flow:
From haughty neck steams measured pride,
From silent hoof streams in souls’ tide.
To catch the ember and fan its glow,
To spend the love and rue its part…
A stallion’s breath in winter’s throe:
A silent plea through a woman’s heart.”
