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I began to ride around
2006. It wasn't until around 2007 when I got to know Bracken after a mixup
of the horse I was riding. I told my instructor, Kelly, "Who am I riding?".
She grabbed the list and scratched her head. "Hmmm...go get Bracken from
around the back." "Okay!". It was a new horse for me, so I was excited. As
I was tacking him up, I realized he looked like a horse that I used to ride!
I thought that was cool. So when I finally got on him, we walked around a
bit...which was fine...but the trot, the trot was so bouncy, I didn't like
him. But at the canter, it was gorgeous!
I got used
to his trot and rode him for a few months. As those months turned into years,
I got so close to him, if I was put on another horse, I would NOT be happy!
We were such a great team. When it came around to 2008, I was STILL riding
him!
We finally
got into our first (and last) show together on February 10, 2008. We were
picture perfect! I couldn't wait to see him again on Sunday...but then on
Friday night, my mother got a phone call...about Bracken. On Saturday I showed
my mom a certificate I had gotten from school. My mother was happy for a
moment, then she said; "Honey, I have something that'll make you sad." "What?!
Do you have cancer?! Did someone die?!" I panicked. "They put Bracken down."
There was a moment of silence for a moment..then I burst into tears crying
like crazy. "NO!" I screamed. I couldn't stop crying. On Sunday my mom asked
me if I still wanted to go riding that day. I said yes and we got some pictures
for my instructor too. It turned out that he had suffered from colic. It
was so bad, he couldn't stand. There was nothing they could
do.
Bracken has crossed the
rainbow bridge now, and is happy where all of his family and friends are,
like Cricket, Bonnie, Willow and J.J.
I loved Bracken for his
gentleness, his kindness and just being Bracken. There'll never be another
horse like him.
I love you babe. Sleep
tight. I'll see you again someday!
With lots and lots of
love,
Caroline
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Bracken
