The Racehorse
Once upon a time, beyond the bright green valleys, there lived a proud race horse named Rüzgâr Kanat. This magnificent horse was a legend, admired by everyone for its shiny black fur and its swift steps. After every race he won, he took pride in his owner's praise and always saw himself as better than the other animals. He mocked the slow creatures around him and thought that being fast was the only success in life. But as time passed, the fire of his youth died down and his old speed slowly began to fade. When his owner could no longer take him to the races, he decided to sell the old horse to a flour miller.
Harnessed to the yoke to turn the heavy stone of the mill, Rüzgâr Kanat felt a great surprise. This proud horse, who once ran among applause, was now going round and round in a dark room. The hard-working old donkey beside him looked at him and said, “Your past victories are not enough to lighten this heavy load.” Rüzgâr Kanat lowered his head and asked, “I was a horse that raced with the wind, how can I work like this?” The old donkey smiled calmly and answered, “In life it is valuable not only to run fast, but also to be useful.” The horse, pulling the heavy stone of the mill all day long, felt his muscles ache and his arrogance melt.
In time he began to understand that shiny medals did not fill his stomach, and that real strength was working with patience. As the days passed, Rüzgâr Kanat accepted his new task and completely stopped complaining. Now, while carrying the sacks of flour, he no longer claimed to be better than anyone, and looked at those around him with love. The villagers appreciated his patient and determined work and showed him greater respect than before. The old race horse felt in his heart the peace of humble work and of serving people. Those who live on the pride of the past can never find the true peace hidden in today's labour. The old days are gone for good.