Blaze of Glory. That's the
name I gave him when I saw him in the field. He was an older horse, with
a little sway in his back from years of barrel racing. I knew very little
of riding horses, only having standardbred horses in the past. He would be
the first horse that was all mine for me to love. Still I wasn't sure, being
such an amateur in the "riding" department. My husband made the decision
for me, saying this is the horse for me. He couldn't have called that one
any closer to the truth.
Blaze and I bonded like we were meant to always be together. Over the years
that I had the pleasure of him, he was always my rock, always there, always
forgiving, always happy to see me. He taught me to ride. Whatever type of
riding I wanted to do, Blaze was there to show me how. Years of trail riding
gave me the courage to try competing in game shows. As soon as Blaze saw
those barrels in the arena, he once again became the teacher, leading me
through the pattern with such ease. I learned over the months to let him
take the lead and we'd be okay.
He gave me two wonderful years and loads of memories competing and having
fun at local shows. He became quite popular with the other riders, mainly
because of his personality and of course because of his experience. I do
want to mention here that when we started running barrels, I was 43 and Blaze
was 27! Here we are competing against girls that are 19 riding horses that
are 5, and we are still keeping up with them. This past summer I made the
decision to retire Blaze from riding, but he was still so willing to let
my little grandson trot around on him in the backyard.
He touched so many lives, everyone he came in contact with loved Blaze. This
past week Blaze's heart started to tire out. My husband and I had the hardest
decision we ever had to make. We loved him so much, and knew we owed it to
him to give him the dignity to rest without suffering. Blaze was too weak
to make the trip to the vet, so we had the vet come to us. I had the privilege
of being there, holding him, loving him to the end. My heart was breaking
in half, but I didn't want a stranger with him when he left here.
Blaze was 30 years old when he left us to run in open fields in heaven.
I pray that I can love another horse, but know not to set such a high standard
for my next horse. A love like that only comes around once and I know can't
be repeated.
Blaze left my life March 24, 2008 at the age of 30. I had 12 of the best
years of my life with him and hope he remains in everyones' hearts that
he met like he will in mine.
Carol Strejcek
|
Blaze of Glory 