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Thought for the day - July 23, 2000
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Thought for the day - July 23, 2000 |
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Subject: All Horses Go To Heaven From: katlaughing Date: 23 Jul 00 - 12:19 AM My youngest daughter called me from her grandma's in New Hampshire. She and her dad, Rog, had driven up for a quick visit, while we held the fort down in Connecticut. "Mom, you have to tell Dad I can have her! They want to give me this horse and she's 3/4 Arab and 1/4 Connemara and sweet and just tell him to say `yes'!" she breathlessly worked me for all it was worth. When I got the whole story it turned out a wonderful 4H horse, who'd been out to pasture for eight years was available for free to the right kid. Stabled at Roger's old riding master's place, she was fat and sassy, but small enough to be tempered by a kid who knew who was supposed to be boss. We were renting...didn't tell the landlord...had four acres and lots of grass. Long story short...we had to move because of the horse, had to find a stable for her. Starting in 1987, my daughter, Rue, worked everyday at a stables, working up from mucking out stalls, starting at 10 years old, to in charge of the barn and horses on weekends, by the time she was 13. She started out trading for lessons, then when THE HORSE, Tamarans Martini, came along in 1989, she bartered her way into getting paid. She paid for all of the upkeep of her beautiful little Arab. Martini rewarded her with so many hours of riding, currying, snuffling in pockets and just general companiosnhip with unconditional love. This horse was a gem, the perfect horse for a kid, just fiesty enough to keep her on her toes and keep her learning. We drove out to see her everyday. What a wonderful way for a parent and child to bond. We went through so much to make sure that horse was well taken care of and nurtured. My favourite picture of the two of them is one I snapped while following her in the car while she walked her up to the vet's. Martini had a swishy butt, she sashayed, flicking her tail this way and that, saucy little Arab feeling fine, long dark tail going back and forth, with this little girl, no more than 4'8" leading her on, her own almost black auburn thick ponytail, swinging down her back to her waist in tempo with Mart's tail. What a pair! When it came time for us to move back to the West, we discussed what to do with Mart. Rue saved up her money, good family friends in Colorado offered a home for free and before we even had our moving van loaded, the HORSE rode in a fancy trailer to her new home. It was four hours drive from where we moved to in Wyoming. Our horse now lived in the same town as my sister, so we went down as often as possible to see her. My second favourite picture of Martini is when my dad drove over from Utah to see her and us. There they are, the two of them, him in his 70's, her already in her 30's, looking kind of gray, the old horse and my dad who somehow wasn't as tall anymore as I remembered. Both of them looking so wise and knowing of the other, speaking the same easy, quiet language; my dad, a natural born horse whisperer before the term was known. Up until the past 2-3 years, Rue still rode her and Martini was still quite the Queen Bee, lording it over all of the other horses. One day they all got out and started running down the road. There she was, 14.5 hands high, out in front of the "boys", all bigger than her, leading them astray. They all knew better than to try to usurp the Matriarch's position, as they'd felt the lightening fast kick of her back feet when they got out of line more than once. The winter before last we weren't sure she would make it. Her teeth were going and the Colorado winters were long and cold. She seemed content, though, hanging about in the high altitude sunshine in the mornings, in her stall at night. She made it. Then, this past winter, a mild one, they had to start feeding her mushier food, but she made it through, even outlasting a couple of others about the place. In January, we reckoned she was 35 years old. Yesterday, Saturday morning, Rue called me, almost incoherent with tears. Martini had shown signs of wanting to wander off and be alone, not eating and drinking. The vet had been called, our friend was with her. Martini, ever a horse with her own mind about doing things, didn't wait for the vet. She laid herself down and died. The kindest and final gift this beautiful old curmudgeonly, doting horse could give my youngest, my "baby", doing it on her own terms, so that poor Rue didn't have to make the decision for her. I am so grateful to the auld beauty for that. So, here's to Tamarans Martini...one hell of a horse and friend, who is very sadly missed. Thanks for listening. It seemed important to tell. katcrying |
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Subject: RE: Thought for the day - July 23, 2000 From: GUEST Date: 23 Jul 00 - 12:35 AM In memory of my old Bess, who had been my companion since I was four years old, and who was slain by a deer hunter when she was 28, I raise a glass to your dear friend.
Old ponies are indeed special and there is no doubt in my mind that they go directly to heaven where they are again young, have all their teeth, can run and jump streams, and where there are fields of tender young corn just for them.
May you and your daughter feel ease soon, kat, just know that the old girl is at peace now. Your friend, Giac |
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Subject: RE: Thought for the day - July 23, 2000 From: GUEST Date: 23 Jul 00 - 12:50 AM What memories you bring back to me, kat. My father was a horse trainer so we always had lots of horses. From time to time there was a 'human' horse and once, just once, there was Trueboy. I know the feelings you're going through now- I don't think a person ever gets over it- but finally you tuck it into a secret part of your being and treasure it. He'll be waiting, and so will Martini... Ebbie |
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Subject: RE: Thought for the day - July 23, 2000 From: katlaughing Date: 23 Jul 00 - 01:14 AM You are both so very kind. Thank you. It is comforting to share it with friends. |
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Subject: RE: Thought for the day - July 23, 2000 From: Amergin Date: 23 Jul 00 - 02:34 AM Oh, Kat, that's the loveliest story....so sorry for your and your daughter's loss...wish there was something I could say to ease the pain, but words cannot fill an empty space...take it easy... Amergin |
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Subject: RE: Thought for the day - July 23, 2000 From: Amergin Date: 23 Jul 00 - 02:42 AM I forgot to say something....Thank you for sharing that with us, Kat.... |
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Subject: RE: Thought for the day - July 23, 2000 From: Sorcha Date: 23 Jul 00 - 11:19 AM Thanks, kat, for that. It had to be difficult to type in with a blurry screen, because it sure was hard to read with a blurry screen. Ah, our four legged friends are so special. Odd thing--my sister, when she lived in New Hampshire had a horse named Martini. He was a racing Thoroughbred, tho. |
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Subject: RE: Thought for the day - July 23, 2000 From: tar_heel Date: 23 Jul 00 - 12:09 PM enjoyed your story,kat..beautiful!but here is a story of two old horses celebrating their 41st wedding anniversary today!i guess it's a sort of...horse of a different color,story..........warm regards!chuck and peggi hemrick! |
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Subject: RE: Thought for the day - July 23, 2000 From: katlaughing Date: 23 Jul 00 - 12:32 PM Thanks everyone. Chuck and Peggi! Congratulations! Wow... ya got 20 on us!! |
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Subject: ADD: Ride On ^^ From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 23 Jul 00 - 01:49 PM That's a good story kat. And here is a good song about a horse that isn't on the DT, and seems fitting:
True you ride the finest horse I have ever seen,
When you ride in to the night without a trace behind, Jimmy Mc Carthy (It comes from this site of songs recorded by Christy Moore)
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Subject: RE: Thought for the day - July 23, 2000 From: Mrrzy Date: 23 Jul 00 - 01:56 PM katlaughing, that was beautiful. I haven't done a search for it but there was a column on NPR recently about a couple who had a mare as a housepet - she lived in their house, they had had to strengthen all the floors and take all the stairs out for ramps, but they all loved it, and the horse throve, and the couple did too (except the man minded the horse watering herself while he was in the tub, which apparently she liked to do). She had a stable and a pasture and all, she just liked being in the house. If I can find it I'll send it to you, but in the meanwhile it's a lovely story that I think you and your family would enjoy. |
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Subject: RE: Thought for the day - July 23, 2000 From: Micca Date: 23 Jul 00 - 02:04 PM Kat, It made me think of Eccliastes " to every thing there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven, a time to be born, a time to die...," . . or Omar Khyyam " Ah moon of my delight that knows no wane the moon of keaven is rising once again How oft hereafte rising shall she look through this same Garden after me in Vain and when thyself with shining foot shall pass among the guests star scattered on the grass and in thy Joyous errand reach the spot where I made one, Turn down an empty glass" where earlier he had been talking about "being turned to clay" and she is rembering him by spilling some wine.
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Subject: RE: Thought for the day - July 23, 2000 From: Mrrzy Date: 23 Jul 00 - 06:03 PM Another thought: it is a marvelous gift, to have a loved one live a long, long life; that gift nowadays is tied in lovely ribbons when that life ends at home, in peace. |
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Subject: RE: Thought for the day - July 23, 2000 From: KT Date: 24 Jul 00 - 01:16 AM Ah, kat....here are a few more tears shed in Martini's memory...and isn't it something that a heart can be breaking and so filled with gratitude at the same time? |
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Subject: RE: Thought for the day - July 23, 2000 From: Sorcha Date: 24 Jul 00 - 01:44 AM Here is my sad story for the day. My friend Judith has a dog, Pearl. Pearl is at least 13, maybe 15. Judith has had her for 12 years, and Pearl is one of my favorite people. I "baby-sat" for her over Memorial Day for 10 days and took her camping. It was the first time in her life she had been camping, and she had a wonderful time. Most of the time we had more dogs (8) in camp than we had humans (6). Never even a minor squabble among the dogs.
Judith told me today that Pearl's blood tests show at least 70% kidney failure. This morning, she "tossed" her breakfast, and at noon lost everything she ate yesterday. She refused to eat,drink or pee all day and is waddling when she walks. Last night she was more or less fine.
We were hoping for 6 months or so; looks like we may not get it. Renal failure is miserable for anyone; bloat, seizures,dementia, etc. due to uric acid build up in the system. Maybe Pearl can save us the decision, but I doubt it, this is usually a very slow and difficult way to go. "Now and at the hour............." |
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Subject: RE: Thought for the day - July 23, 2000 From: Steve in Idaho Date: 20 May 02 - 10:14 AM Thanks Sister Kat for pointing me to this thread. My old mare Hannah is going to be put down today. I've only been attached to one other animal as much as this grand ol' gal. Looks like Cancer in her Kidneys have done her in. I've bawled about all I know how and it still hurts - She and I have been together about 6 years, rode trails, danced in the arena and she was one whose heart would not allow her to give up. She was standing in the pasture this morning. Took her about 10 minutes to walk the 5-10 steps necessary to get to the hay - she's really sagging but fighting for all she is worth. The vet will come and put her down this morning - much as it is going to hurt I've got to be there - - got to go -
Steve |
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Subject: RE: Thought for the day - July 23, 2000 From: wysiwyg Date: 20 May 02 - 10:47 AM Aw Steve. I know. I think sometimes that there's no sadder look than the face of someone who loved a horse, telling the stories about the creature once they're gone... it really is like losing your legs, your heart, your laugh. But actually, sadder than that look, in the telling, is the look of NOT telling. So tell on, horse lovers... and maybe one day I will, too. ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Thought for the day - July 23, 2000 From: JenEllen Date: 20 May 02 - 12:24 PM Well, Steve, I was meaning to send you a PM, but seeing as this got refreshed, I'll just post it here. I was about 8 or 9 when I went to visit my grandfather's cattle ranch for the second time. The year before, my grandfather had borrowed a pony from a friend and taught all of us kids how to care for horses, but when I spoke to him on the phone just before going up, he told me that this year he had a HORSE for me! I could have flown up to Washington without the plane, I was so happy. When I got to the ranch, I ran out to see MY horse, and was thunderstruck. In the corral was the UGLIEST horse I had ever seen. I was raised on a steady diet of black stallions and black beauties, and there stood "Mule". Half Quarterhorse and half Tenessee Walker--all of the worst attributes to be seen. ENORMOUS ears (hence "Mule")--a hideous roman nose--feet the size of manhole covers--you get the idea. The first trip out to round up cows, I was completely embarassed. I led that ugly thing out of the trailer, climbed up, and set to herding cows. My grandfather and his horse took off across the field at a run, and I nudged Mule. I got the oddest sensation of being in a rocking chair. His trot was that smooth! And with those long ugly legs, he caught up to my grandpa's Quarterhorse in no time flat. Cutting? All I ever had to do was just point him towards the cows and just hang on. When nature called, I rode over to some sagebrush and took myself a squat. Over the brush comes that big nose "Whatcha doin'?" Then HE PEED TOO!!! (It was that way for years. Anytime we'd stop for a break, he'd go too.) When we got home, I spent until well after dark talking to him and brushing him until he was the color of a new penny. Anyhow, he was there every summer, waiting for me. I was too short and he was too tall, so we never worried much about the heavy western saddle. He never had a bit in his mouth, and was a neck-reining dream. He also had a taste for fudge-cicles, and would happily slurp on the stick. I have never met a horse that was more game than Mule, and I think my grandfather knew just what he was doing when he paired his wild grandaughter with a rock-steady horse. A couple of years ago, my grandfather called me to tell me that Mule had to be put down. I can't even begin to describe the emotions, but I know you know what I mean. It was losing a partner. I couldn't be there either, and was almost glad of it. A few weeks after, I got a package in the mail from my grandfather. A braided hackmore and hatband--the hair was the color of a penny. Chances are that someday another truly fine horse will wear that bridle, but it will never be my Muley-boy. I hope you manage to save something concrete from Hannah, more than just memories to remember her by. Take care, and you are in my thoughts as always, but more so today. ~J |
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Subject: RE: Thought for the day - July 23, 2000 From: katlaughing Date: 20 May 02 - 02:08 PM Ah, SteveBrodarlin'...my heart is on the ground for you right now. There's no easy way to get through such a thing. My dad always told me "At least they had a good life and were well-loved." And, I believe, they will be there waiting for us across the Rainbow Bridge. Jenellendarlin'! Thanks for the story about Muley. What a perfect boy-o! Makes me think I'd better contact my old bronzecasting teacher and see if she still has the hank of mane hair from ol' Mart which I bronzed. If she does I will give it to Rue. I just recently found out she doesn't have anything tangible to remember her by. Aren't we lucky there are so many good horses out there? Juts think if we'd never known them...good bye, ol' Hannah..watch for Mart, she's a kicker... luvyakat |
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