What’s the difference between horses and dragons? I volunteer there is very little. Though a horse does not have wings to fly across the sky, to gallop over the earth is just as powerful. The rolling thunder of hoofbeats matches the mighty wing beats of a dragon powering through the air.
To touch a horse is like touching the wind itself in solid form. Feathery whiskers and a moleskin soft nose breathe warm puffs of air against your cheek. Silky hide covers coiled muscle that bunch and loosen with each stride. Sunlight dapples the haunches, giving the false impression that beauty is more important than the strength hidden under the shine. When your fingers cling to the heavy mane, feeling the roughness, an impulse wells up inside you to run this creature to the ends of the earth and feel the ground slide away beneath you.
I imagine a dragon to have a similar effect on you. A dragon is much bigger than a horse, but just as majestic. Eyes bright with intelligence, full of deep wells of magical knowledge. Scales that shimmer vibrantly in the sun, magnifying the tiniest movement. Though a bit cumbersome on the ground, an airborne dragon’s wings are fantastic sails filled by the wind. Sinewy muscles stretched across its back power the wings slicing through the air at incredible heights and speeds.
I think I would be just as exultant riding a dragon as I am on a horse. To race the clouds at the very highest heights! Yet running across a field full throttle with a thick mane whipping in my face is a shot of adrenaline one cannot easily set aside. The wind would sting your face in both cases, you are partly clinging on for dear life, and each would have an incredible rhythm whether from wings or hooves.
There is also the feeling of power that would come with either creature. To watch a horse rear and paw, snorting wildly, you can easily envision fire coming from his nostrils. He trumpets a whinny over the grass, calling out a challenge to any who dare to cross his path. A dragon has real fire to breathe. A fiery blast, engulfing anyone foolish enough to anger it.
So, is there much difference between a horse and a dragon? I think not. Though dragons live only in our imagination, they are no less real to us who imagine them! I believe the closest thing to experiencing a live dragon is a horse. Horses give us a chance to feel the incredible power of wing beats, even if we never leave the ground. The speed of a running horse is the closest you will ever get to flying.
If you love dragons, then go to your closest stable with a pocketful of treats. Visit the wingless dragons that live there, with the speed and power to give you a sense of flight. Let their soft noses and tickly whiskers whisper their secrets of earthbound flying to you as you enjoy their company.