Friday, December 30, 2011

A tumultuous year


Top: Noble
Bottom: Titan & Linda

As 2011 winds to a close, I need to reflect on the major changes in my life.
First, I said good-bye to my 13-year partner - my first horse - Noble, who passed away on May 5. This was a heart-wrenching decision, but she was in extreme pain and her heart was failing. Being able to orchestrate her passing helped. Her entire family and even some close neighbors were with her, and I was able to spend time with her after she was gone. We led Sailor to Noble's body so she could examine it, and it was touching to watch her check her friend so gently and thoroughly. Because Sailor was allowed to draw her own conclusions, she did not panic or get distressed at the loss of her friend. All in all, it went as well as something like this can, and I am comforted in the knowledge that Noble had a good death. She is buried on our property, the land that is her namesake, where I know she runs free for eternity.
I spent the next 2 months training Sailor and riding her about 4 times a week, and she was coming along beautifully. Just as I realized that her training was where I wanted it to be , she was injured in a very routine round pen exercise. She was laid up until September. That was the end of my summer riding.
With Sailor on stall rest, I couldn't bring in another horse and risk getting her all riled up. After she seemed mostly recovered in mid-September, I began my search.
It was a discouraging and often frustrating experience. Most of the horses in my price range were basically untrained, or needed extensive work. I found one I liked, then the owners reneged on selling her. I made an offer on a very nice gelding (whose price was listed as negotiable) only to be told that the asking price was firm.
Just as I was about to give up, I got a phone call from someone who knew I was looking for a nice, settled trail horse. She told me about a man who just returned to the area from down south, and who was selling all his horses because he was getting on in years. He had one left - a Paint gelding who was his wife's trail horse for the past 13 years.
The first time I rode Titan, I could tell he was a very 'zen' horse. Even the noise of trucks and heavy equipment nearby didn't fluster him. He just exuded confidence and serenity. I called the owner that night to say I would buy him.
So Titan has been living here since Oct. 29. We had a long stretch of warm late fall weather, so I've had a chance to ride him many times. He's the easiest horse I've ever had - I just go out to the pasture, and he comes to me to be tacked up. It's been a wonderful experience with him so far. There's a part of me that thinks Noble found him for me. And if I hadn't waited, I wouldn't have purchased him, because until 2 weeks prior to trying him out, he was in South Carolina. The strangest thing is, he looks much like Noble - a sorrel horse with a white blaze. Only Titan, at 16 hands, is much taller.
So life goes on, as does my horse adventure. I'm looking forward what 2012 has to show me!

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Preparing for a sad event


It's finally springtime, and the horses have new green pasture upon which to graze. But the joy of spring is overwhelmed by what I must do quite soon. Noble took a turn for the worse over the weekend, and is having significant difficulty moving her legs. The vet came out on Sunday, and said her circulation is poor, meaning her heart is failing. So I am in the terrible position of having to plan her passing. I want to bury her on our property, and it would be much easier if all the plans are in place before she goes down and can't get up.

We have some logistical issues with fencing and gates that I hope can be dealt with. Much of our property is on bedrock, but I think I have located a spot where the excavator will be able to dig. Making these phone calls makes the whole thing so real, it's hard for me to even process. But she is 31 years old, and has led a full, good life. Buying this place was my gift to her, so she could live out her final years in peace and dignity. She has had that.

As my first horse, Noble means more to me than I can express. The best way to explain it is that she gave me my childhood dream of having my own horse. Through much of my adulthood, I had resigned myself to the fact that this would remain a dream. Noble gave that dream wings, and we had adventures together that will forever remain part of me.

Please think of me as I go through this process. I know it is part of what we sign on for when we assume the care of animals. But saying goodbye to my partner is proving to be one of the most challenging trials of my life.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

The brutal winter of 2011

So it's been a while since the last post in August. What a difference a few months make! It's late January, and we're in the throes of the coldest weather in about 10 years. Yesterday's low at my house was -20F. Nearby in the town of Hebron it was -32! Horsekeeping in these temperatures is a challenge, to put it mildly. I'm thankful for heated buckets inside and out, and I'm sure the horses are too. We've also had a lot of snow this year, which makes moving around the paddock tough for Noble and Sailor. They're doing their best, but I know they get bored and frustrated. I'm going through a lot of hay, because they're getting extra to help keep them warm. Today things are supposed to let up a bit - the temperature might get into the 20s! And that's on the plus side. Yesterday's HIGH temperature was 1.

I've had an equine chiropractor out twice for Noble, who injured her left hind/hip on a ride last October. I was originally told by the vet that it was her stifle, but another vet in December said the problem was in her hip. So she's had two adjustments, and is doing better. She's 30, so I was afraid she might not make it through the winter if she didn't get help. Good thing she's a tough old girl!


I'm including some pictures taken this week.