Josh Brolin Shares Poignant Reflection On Horses And Fatherhood

Instagram/@joshbrolin

A heartfelt post Josh Brolin shared got people thinking and feeling. The man, known for tough-guy roles in films such as No Country for Old Men and the Marvel Universe, hardly ever shared much about his childhood or related to horses, or a cherished moment with his daughter. A strikingly beautiful black-and-white photo shares a setting of his young daughter standing silently by the horse in a wordless meeting of spirits. The photo might come to a stop in any viewer’s steps on its own. Brolin’s words make that stop-worthy moment sublime.

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He talks about a past life involving animals, truckers, and race car drivers; yet somehow horses were different: “On the outside, less than dangerous alien; on the inside, a feeling of kinship.” Brolin feels horses are spiritual mirrors, reflecting all that he is feeling at any given moment: in joy or in sadness. Now history is being carved out once again, with the present acting as witness to his daughter’s silent moment with a horse. “Presence seems such an underestimated virtue,” he wondered.

That hit a nerve, with many of Brolin’s followers narrating stories of their own animals. One wrote about horses calming you down after mucking the stalls with a memory. Another reminisced about falling in love with horses at the age of four and since then, they have always been his confidants and rescuers. A third chuckled telling about her childhood obsession with horses until Dad put her on an adult-sized Clydesdale, and that pretty much ended the horse thing fast.

But not all responses were lighthearted in tone. The response of one person was, “I cried at 4 am while reading that post, relating it with my own bond to cows.” Another thanked Brolin for sharing such a private moment, reflecting on how their father taught them to respect the land. Then someone else pops in with: “I need a serious relationship,” which, well… hardest mood to kill with seriousness, but hey, the internet is the internet.

Most significant, however, is the fact that many of Brolin’s crude and poetic words struck a chord. A follower wrote: “Mate, you became a Writer. And a very good one.” And truly: they are not lying. With vivid imagery and emotional depth, it is very clear Brolin’s voice has gone far beyond mere onscreen appearances.

The black-and-white picture conveys a feeling. Standing there in her cute little dress and cowboy boots, his daughter and that horse are engaged in a completely silent conversation. It is one of those forever special shots: it could have been taken fifty years ago or five minutes ago. And here goes the point, some connections never do get altered with changing times.

Basically, this post reminded of how animals—horses especially—can sometimes hold us earthbound in ways that humans are unable to. Whether in silence or in the pure courage of honest company, or just being sure they would never nag you, it’s very healing. Passing this knowledge onto his daughter? That is a kind of magic.

Hence, maybe the next time you are driving by a pasture full of horses, stop with your car, get out, and walk close to take a look. You may learn a couple of lessons about yourself. Or spend an unblemished moment in atrocity with nature. Either way, it’s worth it.

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In moments like these, many are reminded of the heartfelt journeys shared by others, like June Shannon and her experiences.