Ancient Teacher, Modern Heroes

Reading obituaries in the local weekly paper, I came upon an organization called the Equus Effect in Sharon, Connecticut. The Equus Effect is an organization whose mission is “To help returning veterans build healthy, authentic relationships at home, work and school through meaningful engagement with horses.” Equus is Latin for “horse” and gives English the words equine meaning “like a horse” and equitation meaning “horseback riding.”  

The logo at the top of the organization’s website is a sketch of Chiron, the wise centaur who was the teacher of ancient Greek heroes like Jason and Achilles. Chiron is also the constellation Sagittarius, the archer, from the Latin sagitta meaning “arrow.” From where did Chiron obtain his wisdom? Taught by Greek goddess of the hunt Artemis (Roman Diana) and god of the sun, music, and prophecy Apollo, Chiron in turn taught his students the arts of hunting, medicine, music, and prophecy, among others. Chiron is a fitting representative for the Equus Effect, and he is still helping heroes.