Sometimes there is someone
or something in life's path that etches out a cherished place in the heart.
My special someone was "Rolling Hills Sambo".
Our paths crossed when
I was searching for a show horse several years ago. A good friend phoned
and told me to come look at a horse she had located. She warned me that the
horse had a slight injury to his leg; he had gotten into barbed wire but
that he was sound and healthy. My husband and I arrived to find a beautiful
dark chestnut American Saddlebred gelding, about 15.3 hands tall. He imposed
a striking figure, but we did notice his right hind leg was cut and swollen.
My friend assured us that it was only superficial and it would heal quickly.
My husband was skeptical, especially when we were told the price of the horse.
He immediately wanted to get in the car and return home, but I was intrigued
with the way the horse carried himself. I convinced my husband to stay. My
friend was correct in that the cut did not seem to hurt or affect the horses'
gait at all. From the instant I placed my foot in the stirrup I knew in my
heart that this horse was exactly what I wanted.
Solomon, as I nicknamed him,
was not a very friendly horse. Several people initially warned me that I
had made a bad decision. Solomon was distant and seemed to dislike everyone.
He would lay his ears back and look at you with very disenchanting glares.
I heard, "He will hurt you", "I just don't trust him", or "He's not the right
horse for you". My husband tried several times to convince me to sell him.
It took me a few weeks to win Solomon's confidence. It was true, he did not
trust people. I believe something in his past left a scar that carried over
in his behavior. Someone or something had hurt or scared Solomon and he had
not forgotten. It took a lot of small steps, but with patience we eventually
overcame the demons. He and I soon developed a bond that would never be broken.
Solomon was an extremely proud horse with a noble spirit.
We had our ups and downs
on the show circuit. It was a learning experience for both of us; each show
was a new challenge. Whether we ribboned or got the gate, Solomon was always
the Champion of my Heart. He never quit - every time I asked him for more,
he responded. His heart was truly larger than life. His tireless effort to
please me taught me many lessons. One - Never give up, Two -Take the sweet
with the sour, and Three - Have faith that God answers prayers. It is not
always winning that reaps the greatest rewards but testing ones' spirit and
resilience from failure to climb back and try again. If I had a stressful
day at home or work I knew the minute that I got to the barn my problems
would slip away. There is something peaceful and serene about a barn full
of God's splendid creatures. The sweet smell of new hay and the sounds of
a little field mouse being chased by the resident barn cat or the swallows
nesting in the loft echo through the hallway. For a little while the complicated,
confused world we struggle to live in melts away, and is replaced with simple
joy and innocence.
The many hours Solomon and
I spent together gave me endless memories. It was a beautiful summer day
and I decided to take a ride in the pasture adjoining the stable. We went
for some distance and suddenly a rabbit jumped in our path. Solomon jumped
and stumbled and I came off in an undignified heap. The horse that everyone
said would hurt me just stood there waiting for me to regain my seat. He
could have bolted and ran through the acres of nice open pasture glorifying
in his freedom but he stayed by my side. I'm almost certain he was smiling
at my embarrassment!
On May 23, 1996, I lost my
beloved Solomon to colic. When I found him in the barn that evening I knew
my life was going to be altered forever. We immediately called the vet and
on his recommendation we transported him to the University of Tennessee
veterinary hospital. The staff worked tirelessly to save Solomon. The surgeons
were called, but at 1:50 a.m. that morning he finally faltered and went down.
As I watched him struggle for every breath, I knew I couldn't let my friend
suffer anymore. I was cradling his beautiful head in my lap when the vet
gave him the injection that would stop his gallant heart. His liquid eyes
closed and his labored breaths ceased.
Solomon's' courage and his
gallant spirit are forever etched in my heart. People have different opinions
about life after death, but I know that heaven is much richer now. My burden
is easier to carry because angels are riding Solomon now. Life isn't something
to take for granted. Each day brings hope, joy, sorrow, regret, but I will
never regret the decision to buy the beautiful Saddlebred that day years
ago. He embraced my life and enriched my heart.
I wrote the following tribute
to show my gratitude and never-ending love for my special someone:
Tribute To A
Friend
You crossed over and left
me behind,
To face the tomorrows without you.
You had to go before me - I know;
But I will see you again
Standing Regal and Proud
At Heavens' gate,
Waiting to carry me on my final journey home.
The days pass and the nights
come,
Reminding me of your final stretch home.
You were such a gallant and noble friend.
I will cherish the memories of the special
Joy you brought to my life.
There will never be another to take your
Treasured place.
I will
never forget you, Dear Solomon.
I forever carry you in my heart.
Solomon 
