Nahar, The Name

Nahar get his name from the legendary horse of Oromë, one of the Valar in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Silmarillion. Oromë is the Vala associated with hunting, strength, and the wilds, and Nahar is his mighty steed, described as one of the greatest horses in all of Arda. Nahar is not an ordinary horse but a being of divine nature. As the steed of a Vala, Nahar is swift and powerful, able to travel across Middle-earth at great speeds. His gallop is said to be like thunder. In the battlefield he becomes a radiant beacon of light.

In Arabic (نَهَر) – Nahar means "river" or "daylight".

In Hebrew (נָהָר) – Nahar also means "river" in Biblical Hebrew.

A flowing river, the shining daylight, a being of Divine light and purity. This is Nahar.

My very first memory of you, Nahar, was when you walked off the horse trailer and onto the sandy hill in front of the beach in Playa Grande of Cahuita, where we used to live. You were only 11 months old, and you put your feet onto the new ground as if you had lived your whole life there. We walked you down the beach road to the stables behind Magellan Inn. It was evening, the other horses were already in. As you walked by, you were greeted with nickers and you said hello to each of them, as if you knew them already. You settled into your stall, with your evening meal and your new life with such ease, with that same grace that you continued to live your life by.

Your time with us was too brief, too fleeting. Fourteen years wasn't nearly enough. Yet we remain forever grateful for every moment you shared with us.

You came from a beautiful horse farm up in the mountains of Turrialba, Hipica de Pacuare, owned by my friend Carlos Orlich, breeder of Spanish PRE horses. You were born like all the other foals, out in the pastures. You grew up with the other mares and foals, eating the grass and herbs of the land, no mixed grains, no chemicals, only the pure energy of nature.

At 11 months you came to live with us. You grew up healthy and strong, in the jungle pastures and galloped on the Caribbean beaches.

Shiloh, who has since passed away last March of 2024, took you under his wing. He taught you your manners, how to behave around horses and humans alike. He played with you, he disciplined you and when you were 5 he kicked you out of your big shared stall one night, saying he was done with your messy manners in the stall. Shiloh liked to keep his house clean and organized, always pooping in the same spot, you Nahar on the other hand were a mess! But he still stayed friends with you as you continued to grow, grazing in the pastures side by side, galloping the beaches together with Johanna and I and sharing the joy of freedom with many guests and volunteers that came to visit.

Though not very tall, your body was full, powerful and elegant, your neck was the neck of a King, your mane and tail your glorious robe. You changed from a dark dapple grey brown, white and black, to a light dapple grey and white with a silver mane and tail. You held yourself proudly yet with kindness. Never were you mean to another horse or to another human.

Your heart was big, your eyes gentle, your body beautiful and your soul so wise, so knowing, an old soul who had walked this earth many times before.

You were the first horse that we trained from yearling to adulthood at Liberty, using the wonderful methods of Carolyn Resnick and the teachings of Yogic breath, connection, and harmony. We always worked at your pace, when you felt relaxed and comfortable and when we did too. The first day you were mounted, it was bareback with no halter, bridle, or reins, free in the pasture. Johanna gently slipped onto your soft, smooth back, and you accepted it as the most natural thing, continuing to walk and graze. You never bucked or reared; you never kicked or bit a human throughout your life. As long as we honored your rhythm, life and training flowed easily.

You enjoyed Liberty Dancing with me, free to express your beauty and spirit.

You moved effortlessly carrying Johanna on your back in archery making her feel the Nordic Goddess she is.

Dressage and jumping, galloping on the beach, swimming in the sea you all did with ease and joy. Unless there were big waves, you did not like that, but a gentle flat sea and Shiloh nearby you did with joy.

The sensitive being that you were, you had great empathy for others and picked up easily on the emotions, however you did not put up with anyone not being authentic. This was an absolute no, and in classes of Yoga with Horses, you would toss your head and move, til the human, acknowledged their true feelings, then you would settle and sigh, relaxing into the moment. This great power you had of seeing through others masks, helped humans to discover their true authentic selves.

You were never a push over, and though kind and gentle, you would not put up with any nonsense from horse and human a like.

You grew up into being the most incredible horse I have witnessed and experienced being with in so many ways, in all ways. From galloping on the beach, swimming in the sea, jumping to dressage, archery and liberty, therapy and healing, yoga and meditation, friend and healer, you did it all, you were ALL. Then as Shiloh’s body became weak, you were his protector, always standing near him in the pasture, sharing sacred space together. When Shiloh left his body, you guided the herd under your gentle leadership, you maintained harmony, and taught the new ones trust and respect. Your were the Wise King, the powerful leader, the true and honest friend, the most kind and gentle soul.

Though our hearts continue to weep as we grieve for this loss that came far too early, our memories, our time together fill our hearts with such an abundance of joy and love, we are forever grateful to you Nahar, for touching us with your grace. I feel your energy in the wind and in the heart of each horse and in our hearts, FOREVER.

Nahar, leader & king. Friend & Protector You shined your light, Upon us all.

You touched us with your Grace, And your wise gentle eyes. You lifted us up, To the realms of the Kings. You placed us in your heart, So that we could see our own. You reminded us, That Truth was all there was.

Your spirit flies in the winds Your heart in our souls, Until we meet again, O, Nahar the Great.

This is a commemorative blog entry, so please, any word you have about or for Nahar are very welcome in the comment section.

I read and receive all your messages, and they fill my heart with gratitude.

Thank you kindred spirits!

Namaste, Terry.