Grande was a big, beautiful,
5 year old Thoroughbred gelding. He was naturally athletic and handsome, and nobody
could believe he was a Thoroughbred when they saw him. When I first met him, I was
immediately taken with how gentle, curious, and trusting he was. He had been
on vacation for about a year but was still very muscular and strong - even
though he wasn't doing anything except hanging out at a farm.
He was mesmerized by everything and everyone. His favorite thing to do was
nuzzle and nibble, rest his head on my head or shoulder, and just hang out
and observe everything around him. He loved to pull on zippers, shoelaces,
or dig in pockets for snacks. Although he was intimidatingly big and green,
I had never met a horse this sweet and personable. He would do anything asked
of him, and never once put his ears back. He whinnied every time he saw me
coming and going, would follow me around the turnout, and then walk extra
slow when it was time to go back to his stall - always taking time to stop
and smell the flowers and say hello to neighbors.
That is the memory he's left with me - a reminder to always take time to
appreciate the beautiful things around you, be open and kind to others, and
love with everything you have in your heart, unconditionally.
Other things he taught me:
Always be open to learning new things.
Enjoy fresh air, sun, get
plenty of exercise and rest.
Be kind even if you don't
know someone yet.
Look around and never stop
exploring possibilities.
Be generous. Be patient.
Protect those who love you.
El Nino 
