I had found a true friend in you. You understood when no else had a
clue. You were a shoulder to cry on, a friend to rely on. You lent a
hand when I had fallen down. You gave me strength to get up off the
ground, my broken heart only you could mend, in you I had found a true
best friend.
All through my childhood,
I can recall wanting a horse more than anything in the world. I started riding
when I was six and I was sure that in time my wish would come true. I just
didn't realize I would get more than I had ever expected. Skee was the son
of Prince Shannon, "the sire of World Champions" and in my eyes, we were
champions. I got Skee when I was 11 years old, he was a present from my parents.
That day is so clear in my mind, as if it was just yesterday that I rode
him for the first time.
I remember every memory we ever shared. The times where we would trail
ride, or ride out in the field all by ourselves. We were the perfect team.
I never bonded so well with anyone, like I bonded with my horse. He would
often nudge me when he knew something was wrong and I would brush him and
tell him all my worries. He always knew when I was around too, and when I
would open his stall door he would pretend that he blended in with the wall
until I was so close he would headbutt me. To this day those memories still
make me laugh. He was so beautiful, and the most compassionate horse I have
ever met.
However, on a summer day
before a show, I was having a lesson as usual, but something went horribly
wrong. Skee was terrified of bugs and he tried to kick at one but accidentally
kicked my trainer. So we decided to make him canter to get him away from
the bugs, but unfortunately my horse loved to be lazy when he wanted to,
and on this day, he decided to drag his feet. He tripped over himself and
began to fall, but before he could crush me, he landed on his nose with all
his weight. My baby literally saved my life and lost his. He couldn't breathe
well and was fine for about a week, but then began to suffer. I was told
we would have to put him down soon, but every time my mother wanted to take
me to see him, I said no because I could not bear seeing him the way he
was.
Then one day on my way home from school, I got a sharp pain near my
heart, and became overwhelmed with sadness. I couldn't understand why, but
I merely thought it was because I was thinking so much about my pony. I walked
in the house and told my mom that I wanted to go say goodbye to the best
horse I had ever known and that's when she told me, Skee had been put down
earlier that day. I still regret not going to see him when I had the chance,
but those feelings I experienced on my way home from school shows exactly
how connected I was to my horse.
Rest In Peace Baby, I'll
be up there before you know it. I love you and miss you!
Kilianne
Skipa Shannon 
