For those who would've given up on Duchess a long time ago, this is my reply. I'm thankful for those who understand :)

JUST A HORSE

From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a horse," or, "that's a lot of money for "just a horse".
They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent or the costs involved for "just a horse". Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a horse."
Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a horse", but I did not once feel slighted. Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a horse", and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a horse" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.
If you think it's "just a horse", then you will probably understand phrases like "just a friend", "just a sunrise," or "just a promise".
"Just a horse" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. "Just a horse" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person. Because of "just a horse" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.
So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a horse" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.
"Just a horse" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.
I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a horse" but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a woman/man".

~Anonymous