Probity: A Lesson from the Saddle

Howdy, friends. Today, I want to share a story with you that’s close to my heart. It’s a tale about probity, a virtue that seems to be fading in today’s fast-paced world. This is a lesson I learned many moons ago, atop a horse named Thunder.

The Day I Met Thunder

Thunder was a majestic creature, a stallion with a coat as black as a moonless night and a spirit as wild as the wind. He was known for his stubbornness and was considered untamable by many. But I saw something else in him – a reflection of my own youthful audacity.

The Challenge

As a young lad, I was determined to ride Thunder. I was warned about the risks, but my youthful pride and stubbornness mirrored Thunder’s. I was convinced that I could tame him, that I could conquer the unconquerable.

The Fall

One sunny afternoon, I climbed onto Thunder’s back. He reared, bucked, and tried to shake me off, but I held on. Until I didn’t. I was thrown off his back and onto the hard ground. The fall was painful, but the blow to my pride hurt even more.

The Lesson

As I lay there, winded and bruised, I realized my mistake. I had approached the situation with arrogance, not respect. I had tried to dominate, not understand. I had sought to conquer, not connect. This was not the way of probity.

Probity and Respect

Probity is about honesty, integrity, and respect. It’s about understanding that every creature, every person, has its own spirit, its own strengths, and its own challenges. It’s about respecting these differences, not trying to dominate or change them.

Probity in Practice

With a newfound understanding, I approached Thunder again. This time, with respect. I spent days just being with him, understanding his moods, his fears, his strengths. And one day, he let me ride him. Not because I had conquered him, but because I had connected with him.

Conclusion

Friends, probity is a virtue that we need to cultivate. It’s about being honest, not just with others, but with ourselves. It’s about respecting others, understanding them, and connecting with them. It’s a lesson I learned from a horse named Thunder, and it’s a lesson I hope you’ll take to heart.

Until next time, remember to ride with respect and honesty.

Kev