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Horse Proverbs: Can’t Live With ‘Em, Can’t Live Without ‘Em

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Practically everyone in Texas has heard a horse proverb now and then. You don’t have to be a cowboy or cowgirl to know and recognize one when you hear it. These little gems of advice are diamonds in the rough if you know what they reference and what you can learn from them. Passed from generation to generation like an heirloom, their value seems to have increased over time. Here are three horse proverbs you may know that are worth their weight in gold.

1. You Can Lead a Horse to Water…

Horse Proverbs: Can’t Live With ‘Em, Can’t Live Without ‘Em

Photo: Pixabay

…but you can’t make him drink. This proverb references the gift of opportunities to someone who refuses to take them. It’s believed to have been in use since the 12th century! That’s a lot of examples of people needing help along the way…wonder if they took it.

2. Never Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth

Horse Proverbs: Can’t Live With ‘Em, Can’t Live Without ‘Em

Photo: Pixabay

Referring to the process of determining the age of a horse by looking at its teeth, the phrase, “Never look a gift horse in the mouth,” is a proverb which means, “Don’t question the value of something given to you.” It’s attributed to the time of Henry VIII and a man by the name of Heywood, who wrote a comprehensive collection of such phrases used at that time.

3. You’re Not a Rider Unless You’ve Fallen Off Seven Times

Horse Proverbs: Can’t Live With ‘Em, Can’t Live Without ‘Em

Photo: Wikimedia

Referencing the fact that you’ll learn from experience, this saying is akin to getting back on the horse after you fall. Those who win do so by trying and failing until they finally succeed, and getting back on right away gives you less time to sit and review/overthink the fall. Get out of your head and get back in the game!