Star came into our lives as a spunky 5 year old gelding making his presence known. The day after we picked him up he broke 3 of my mom's ribs, but she was still determined he was the horse for her. I, being only 12 years old and having only been riding for a month, was a little nervous to get on him for the first time. He was very fast and powerful, and I wanted nothing more than to learn to ride him without fear.
He was so full of personality, if it was too hot, too cold, or raining and he was locked out in the pasture he would always make sure to get your attention and let you know he needed in the barn! As a child I spent countless hours in the barn, at horse shows, and just trail riding. We learned a lot together and he truly was my best friend. We've had several other horses come and go but he always held a special spot in our hearts.
As I grew older and life got busier, he became our only horse. He was diagnosed with ringbone disease about 5 years ago, and as long as he was not stalled and his weight was maintained to a comfortable weight he didn't have any major issues with it. The past several months his disease progressed rapidly, and before long he was hardly able to get up in the mornings or walk well. When we called the vet out and told my mom it was time, she wanted to wait until I got back into town and had a chance to say goodbye. When I returned and went to her house, she broke the news. I instantly felt like my heart was being ripped out and started thinking back on all the great times and memories we shared. He honestly gave me some of the best times of my life and I can only hope we did the same for him.
I had 3 days until the vet was due out again and I made sure to spend as much time as possible with him during this time. When it came time for me to say my final goodbye, I was overwhelmed with heartache. Though I always dreaded that day and thought how hard it would be, I could have never imagined it being as gut wrenching as it was. But looking in his eyes I could see he was tired and I knew he was grateful for we had given him the best life we possibly could have. As hard as it was, I knew that the only thing harder than letting him go would have been watching him suffer, and he did not deserve that.
I know I will never forget him and will love and miss him dearly. R.I.P. our handsome boy, until we meet again.
Kerri
Bonanza Star Roco 
