When Rue first came home
with us, we had no idea what to expect. Her previous owner had given Rue
to us, stating that she was too much to handle. We soon grew to love her
spunkiness, and it wasn't long before my daughter, Maddie, was riding her
all over the place. Rue soon became a favorite in our lesson program and
was shown at local 4H shows. Maddie adored Rue, and it was apparent that
the feeling was mutual.
Rue's "boss mare"
attitude soon earned her the nickname, "Mighty Midget". Yes, she was small
in stature, but she threw her weight around! We were welcomed every feeding
time with a whinny greeting from Rue. She could be at the far end of the
pasture and would come running up for love the minute we opened the gate
and stepped through.
Rue was a great mother
too. Her last colt is beautiful and takes after his momma. We would have
been welcoming another baby from Rue in May had she lived.
Sadly, Rue was kicked by
another horse, her leg fractured. She was so brave, even though we could
tell she was in pain. But she never struggled, never nipped at me or uttered
a sound as we tried to splint her leg til the vet arrived. I knew in my heart
we wouldn't be able to save her. I think she knew too. She just looked at
us with those beautiful brown eyes as if to say, "It's ok, it's my time -
I know you love me. I love you, too." We just wanted to end her
suffering.
We were so lucky to have
her in our lives for such a short time. She taught us so much. She was so
much fun, so affectionate and no other horse had quite so much character.
There will never be another horse like her.
Rue, I know you are in
Heaven now, running and bucking and stealing food from your buddies. We will
take good care of Comanche. Maddie would like it if you could give her some
kind of sign to let her know you got up there okay.
You'll always be in our
hearts, Mighty Midget! We will miss you more than you know.
Jezzie and Maddie