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Introduction
At the time I decided to write this book, I was consumed with grief over the loss of Areion, my best friend. I knew, however, that I had to overcome my pain to chronicle his story, so that his memory would live. After all that we had been through together, I did not want his life to have been in vain. He was such an extraordinary being, and I felt in my heart that others could take strength from his courage. Many do not realize that the suffering of animals has an analogue in human struggle. In lifes tapestry, every life is, somehow, interwoven with another, regardless of specie or station. No matter how elevated on the evolutionary or financial scale, all of us are subjected to the same alterations of well-being and despair, and it is those moments in between our polarized states of being wellness and sickness, joy and sorrow, pleasure and pain - that we have a chance to make a choice: just what are we going to do with our lives? In Areions case, his wants were simple: to love and be loved; and he accomplished that goal effortlessly. At the core level, isnt that what we all truly want? Areion was at least, in my estimation and to all of those who knew him the embodiment of these inner feelings and desires, a pure example of what love really means. How could I not tell his story?
I must confess, though, that the journey has not been easy even in the writing of this narrative. I was constantly weighed down by doubt and derision, told that I have axes to grind and bridges to burn. These comments only served to overlook my earnest intentions. Of course, I was deeply hurt by the manner in which Areion was treated particularly in his last days; naturally, I was and ever remain indignant about the way horses who are not considered champions are often destined for slaughter because of what humans deem to be their imperfections; and I am pained by the recollection of how barn owners turned Areion away because of his condition, viewing him as property to be bought, sold, nurtured as a champion or discarded. I take issue with the fact that these conditions are placed upon horses survival. We have lawsuits to redress discrimination in the human sphere; but upon whom can our equine friends rely? The very humans who judge them. Endowed with the ability to reason, we, as humans, have the responsibility to voice concerns about how animals are treated and to enlighten others about their intrinsic worth.
This brings me to various comments which arose regarding this texts substance and composition. The story is much too sad. People dont want to read about hardship, some have said. My answer always has been that, if every work of literature and film were to be evaluated on the basis of its pathos, and if sorrow were a decisive criterion for rejecting the messages inherent in these stories, untold numbers of books and movies with historical, religious, poetic and aesthetic references would be dismissed - and lessons would be lost. But its just another horse story, railed others. What makes Areions unique? To this day, I reply that absolutely no one is a nobody. The term is only a label an offhanded dismissal, either self-imposed or foisted upon one living being by another, who chooses to set up the duality of us and them. In truth, living entities are not separated from one another by physical characteristics or standing in life, but are joined, in their essence, to each other if only we care enough and take time to look beyond the surface.
Here is how I set my narrative apart - not only for the sake of communicating deeply personal and, I hope, significant messages, but also as a means of setting the stage for each chapter: Areions name, like mine, comes out of literature. In Greek mythology, Areion was born through the Sea God Poseidons violation of Demeter, the Goddess of Agriculture. In trying to escape Poseidons advances, she transformed into a mare; but Poseidons will dominated, as he morphed into a stallion. This process of morphing from god into animal (and, also, from god into human being) is a central theme in Greek mythology. In the case of god to animal transformations, where characteristics of both are present, anthropomorphization (an•thro•po•mor•fe•z?•tion) occurs (i.e. the god becomes part animal). The animal, in turn, has characteristics and powers of the god, and can do whatever it wishes even speak and think.
Therefore, I determined that since, in name, Areion descended from anthropomorphic gods of Greek mythology, I take creative license and give him a voice as co-narrator. Areions voice infuses into the story with his perspective about his many trials and, also, gives him standing as a protagonist. Of course, I dont purport to read his mind; rather, I attempt to place myself in his position for the purpose of bringing the reader into our world. As author, I become the conduit through which his thoughts and feelings find expression. In making Areion my partner in storytelling, I hope to communicate our experience in such a way that the reader can feel the enormous heart and mind of my friend, as I did.
In the beginning chapters, as Areion becomes an immortal horse out of the pages of Greek tradition, I too, appear out of time, as a modern facsimile of my namesake, Count Roland, nephew of Charlemagne, King of the Franks. As depicted in the epic French poem, The Song of Roland, the count sacrifices life and limb in his battle against the Saracens. Valiantly he rides on Veillantif, his trusted steed, while I, Roland of modern aspect and manner, seek to rediscover my long-lost passion for horse riding.
In effect, Areion and I find each other in the story by stepping out of history, acknowledging the glory of our past (fictitious, of course, but made real for narrative purposes), and carrying it into present time.
Other important creative elements factor into the telling of Areions story, in order to bring about events which might have occurred, if not for tragic intervening circumstances beyond our control. The most meaningful of our objectives was our desire to participate in beginners level dressage competitions. Areion possessed a dignity and grace characteristic of champions - not to mention a heart that filled the world. I wanted to cultivate that potential in him but, tragically, due to persistent, unforeseen mishaps, our goal was thwarted. In order to manifest our wish, I relegate it to a dream sequence. Only in the realm of the subconscious mind can we tap into our highest selves.
While we are sleeping, Subconscious (i.e. the mind beneath or beyond wakeful awareness) takes over as narrator in Chapter 13. In my capacity as author, I call upon and render human this subliminal dimension as a tool for continuing our story in the tone of an omniscient presence. Having such knowledge, Subconscious acts as an objective (though nurturing) voice. Dr. Sigmund Freud viewed the realm of the human subconscious mind as a receptacle for wish fulfillments which come to light in dreams. Carrying that time-honored notion into my text, I find a venue in which Areion can win a blue ribbon and receive the recognition he deserved (even though, in actual reality, this did not come to pass). In this dream - as in real life - Areions courage is his greatest reward but, when one continuously has been marginalized, the external validation of a cheering crowd means the world.
Also integral to this text is the concept of spirit, which serves a dual purpose. Since Areion cannot form words which humans understand, his communication most often occurs in the spirit (or the depths of his being a place beyond physical matter). Anyone who has a pet family member or friend acknowledges in these creatures the ability to speak and understand beyond the spoken word as we humans conceive it to be. Particularly with horses, a profundity of spirit emanates, pervades the human heart, and forms a connection.
The idea of spirit appears most forcefully in Chapter 15, I Am Spirit, in which Areion himself becomes all-knowing energy. In this state, he is able to watch over and give me courage. Whether or not one accepts the concept of spirit-energy, one need not stretch the imagination too far to embrace at least for a moment the possibility of some lingering, post-life essence which hovers over loved ones. If nothing else, the mere thought serves to soothe and comfort grieving hearts like mine.
The idea of life after life - and the opportunity to voice the possibility has been cathartic for me, and has served to bring hope that, one day, when my physical life no longer can be sustained, Areion and I will run free, side by side. In the meantime, my best friend would not want me to grieve so deeply that I am unable to move forward with my predetermined goals and dreams.
At the time of this writing, I am still on my quest for Veillantif, the namesake of Count Rolands horse. By no means will he be a replacement for Areion (for no being can fill the void left by such a remarkable life). However, the act of riding again and, possibly, evolving in the equestrian sport will make my hero proud and perpetuate his legacy.
Areion was a real horse with a very real story, narrated here factually and authentically. My greatest apprehension was fictionalizing issues which I consider to be intensely personal and dear; but, by interlacing creative elements with actual happenings, I hope to adorn my tribute with the poignancy which a loving, grateful heart best can render.
