Ah, such a heartfelt little eulogy, Justin. "Gallop far and free forever, you beautiful being." Lovely words. Golly, it is hard to say goodbye to our old four-legged friends.
Thanks, Sharron. It really is. There are a few horses that have impacted my life over the past few years, and Vera was one of them. They’re such amazing animals.
I would be happy to add to the brief literature about wonderful, life-saving horses. I too enjoyed such a relationship and ever wrote a book of poems about my beautiful Abby. Here goes:
To My Abby
I didn't even recognize you, standing there looking like a woolly mammoth, head drooped to the ground. That familiar nicker never again left your lips. Months later, you fought death as you fought the rein, yet I remember rides across the mountain, a moonlight encounter with a bear, brushing you as you munched wildflowers in the meadow. People marveled I could throw the rope over your withers, leaving you untied while I took your tack box back to the shed. "Where's she gonna go," I'd tell them. "She's always been good for me even if she isn't good for you."
This is beautiful, Sue, and I will have to check out your book. I was talking to my friend this evening (we go to the barn every Monday and bring the kids), and she told me one of the things she’ll miss the most is Vera’s scent…there’s a spot she used to kiss on her muzzle. Man, my heart just aches for her! Vera lived a good, long life.
I can imagine your friend's infinite pain. Some animals just make such an impact on your life that it's worse than losing a family member. And the time and resource commitment to horses alone become a lifestyle. So, it's more than a "hole in the air" like a dog or cat.
Beautiful. This brought tears as I remembered the nine years I spent working at an 800 acre, 52 horse, western style horse ranch/camp. The bonds formed between riders and horses, Staff and horses, Staff and riders, were strong and amazing. When the ranch was sold, many hearts were broken. Many Staff members, who were able, dug deep and bought a horse, or horses, with whom they’d formed a bond.
Linda, what a story. That sounds like one worth writing. Thank you for sharing that with me. After spending a few solid years around horses, I completely understand how some people can devote their lives to them. They are incredible animals in so many ways.
Your eulogy to Vera I just read waking from a dream. Yes, you set in motion a memory of many horses rode, as also the one that pulled a hay cart. Love lingers. Thanks for a wake up call from the beyond.
My fifty words on horse early. May not get chance Friday. Palisades fire at Topanga village 10 minutes away by road. Still wind and water drops from helicopters. Here’s 50.
Dot the draft horse started it. They met to pet the horse’s head. Sally finished years of innocent hayloft play. Unexpected took Dick to the trestle to swim. Made out on a sand spit. . Dot appeared, but time expired. Sally’s white shorts left a red dark period. Zipped up.
Ah, such a heartfelt little eulogy, Justin. "Gallop far and free forever, you beautiful being." Lovely words. Golly, it is hard to say goodbye to our old four-legged friends.
Thanks, Sharron. It really is. There are a few horses that have impacted my life over the past few years, and Vera was one of them. They’re such amazing animals.
I would be happy to add to the brief literature about wonderful, life-saving horses. I too enjoyed such a relationship and ever wrote a book of poems about my beautiful Abby. Here goes:
To My Abby
I didn't even recognize you, standing there looking like a woolly mammoth, head drooped to the ground. That familiar nicker never again left your lips. Months later, you fought death as you fought the rein, yet I remember rides across the mountain, a moonlight encounter with a bear, brushing you as you munched wildflowers in the meadow. People marveled I could throw the rope over your withers, leaving you untied while I took your tack box back to the shed. "Where's she gonna go," I'd tell them. "She's always been good for me even if she isn't good for you."
This is beautiful, Sue, and I will have to check out your book. I was talking to my friend this evening (we go to the barn every Monday and bring the kids), and she told me one of the things she’ll miss the most is Vera’s scent…there’s a spot she used to kiss on her muzzle. Man, my heart just aches for her! Vera lived a good, long life.
I can imagine your friend's infinite pain. Some animals just make such an impact on your life that it's worse than losing a family member. And the time and resource commitment to horses alone become a lifestyle. So, it's more than a "hole in the air" like a dog or cat.
Beautiful eulogy.
Thank you so much for reading, Sherman.
You're welcome
Beautiful. This brought tears as I remembered the nine years I spent working at an 800 acre, 52 horse, western style horse ranch/camp. The bonds formed between riders and horses, Staff and horses, Staff and riders, were strong and amazing. When the ranch was sold, many hearts were broken. Many Staff members, who were able, dug deep and bought a horse, or horses, with whom they’d formed a bond.
Linda, what a story. That sounds like one worth writing. Thank you for sharing that with me. After spending a few solid years around horses, I completely understand how some people can devote their lives to them. They are incredible animals in so many ways.
Thank you for reading my work today! 🙏
Touching sentiments, Justin, as only you could write them.
Well that is kind of you to say, K.C. Thank you for giving this a read!
Your eulogy to Vera I just read waking from a dream. Yes, you set in motion a memory of many horses rode, as also the one that pulled a hay cart. Love lingers. Thanks for a wake up call from the beyond.
You’re very welcome. Thank you so much for taking the time to read, Richard!
My fifty words on horse early. May not get chance Friday. Palisades fire at Topanga village 10 minutes away by road. Still wind and water drops from helicopters. Here’s 50.
Dot the draft horse started it. They met to pet the horse’s head. Sally finished years of innocent hayloft play. Unexpected took Dick to the trestle to swim. Made out on a sand spit. . Dot appeared, but time expired. Sally’s white shorts left a red dark period. Zipped up.