Bella passed away after
fighting so hard to recover from colic. For four days she was so brave and
tried so hard to get better. Just before she passed. she perked up and walked
around on her own, then drank some water and sniffed the other horses. It
was almost like she wanted me to know she would be okay. I had planned to
go to the Parelli Tour Stop that weekend. It was almost like she was telling
me it was okay to go and that she wanted me to go. She passed away when I
went up to the house for a minute. I only left her because I was convinced
that she was doing better.
The sweetest, kindest, loving
filly I have ever known. Always the first at the gate to say hello, always
following me around, loved to be loved on, and was always the first to come
back to me or my fiance, George, or daughter, Melissa, for some love when
all the horses where turned out. George's dad saw her not too long ago and
they fell in love with each other. I have some pictures of her getting some
love and she really liked the nice butt scratching she got.
Bella was like a dainty little doll. So light and carefree when she would
play. Such a lovely mover and I loved her trot best when she would flip her
tail up over her back, she just seemed to glide along. Bella was very, very
special to me and to my family. She was a dream come true after waiting 14
years to have another Morgan. I had such big dreams for her and I. She is
the one that really started me down the journey to Parelli. I will thank
her every day for that - and I will continue it for myself and my other
horses.
I dreamed of going to the Morgan Grand Nationals with her. But I never wanted
to achieve all the ribbons without having a relationship with her as well.
I wanted everything to be so perfect with her. For her first birthday, I
baked her a carrot cake and put a red licorice candle on it. She had other
ideas about that cake. Just the candy please....but it was so funny to watch
her.
Bella was so mature for her age. She never once batted an eye over clippers,
blankets, hoof trimming, trailering, plastic bags, her first bath...she just
took to every crazy thing like a pro. The Parelli journey with her was so
short, but she taught me that some horses are so sensitive that a little
goes a long way. We only ever had to go to Phase 4 maybe twice. When I spent
that first 30 minutes of time (Parelli lesson 1) with her, she rolled right
in front of me (actually on my feet) 3 times and then kept rubbing against
me so I could scratch and rub all her itchy spots because she was shedding
out her winter coat. I smile every time I think of that. She was most certainly
comfortable and confident in front of me. Ran around the pen and pooped and
rolled and squished me into the fence with her butt. She loved to play the
Parelli games...although sideways wasn't very good yet. She really liked
to go over the big log I have and she loved her walks we took.
The six months we had together were sooo amazing and awesome. I just
wish that we could have gone on forever. I could go on and on about her.
Someday, I know we will meet again. And then we will ride off as one. Yes,
I have cried and I am sure I will many more times.
I will always love her and she has left her dainty little hoofprints on my
heart. I know she is having a great reunion with my daughter's horse, Stormy,
and enjoying running around with all the rest of the herd there. (We lost
Stormy in May of this year.)
I love you my Bella...my
baby girl...and thank you for the dance. Two songs I think of when I think
of you: "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield and "The Dance" by Garth Brooks.
Amy Foley
Shaughnessy's Bella 
