The Hooves of Horses

Close up of horse hooves walking
Today’s horse poetry is by Will H. Ogilvie, a Scottish narrative poet and horse lover. I’m not sure what it’s called or when he wrote it, but he lived from 1869-1963.

The Hooves of Horses

The hooves of horses!
Oh! witching and sweet
Is the music earth steals from the iron-shod feet;
No whisper of lover, no trilling of bird,
Can stir me as much as hooves of horses
Have stirred.

Inspirational Words

I’ve really enjoyed looking for horse poetry by famous poets, it’s a refreshing new take on horse art. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the lovely Bedouin Horse Legend I posted last week and stay tuned for more next Tuesday.

2 Comments on “The Hooves of Horses

  1. fran

    Hi, that’s only a small part of this beautiful poem, which is often read at the funerals of farriers.

    You have also slightly misquoted the poet by editing his verse.

    It is actually: “The hoofs of the horses!—Oh! witching and sweet
    Is the music earth steals from the iron-shod feet;
    No whisper of lover, no trilling of bird
    Can stir me as hoofs of the horses have stirred.”

    It’s this last verse, though, that is often read at funerals:

    “When you lay me to slumber no spot can you choose
    But will ring to the rhythm of galloping shoes,
    And under the daisies no grave be so deep
    But the hoofs of the horses shall sound in my sleep.”

    Will Ogilvie also wrote incredible poetry about the horses of Australia.

    In my mind, he is one of the very best poets of horse subjects ever.

    You should read more of his poems, they are wonderful!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *