Tabasco






aka: T-Bone, Mr. T, and just plain "T"
Swedish Warmblood gelding
Born 24 Februrary 1992 - Died 29 August 2009




To my beloved Tabasco. My best friend, show buddy, teacher, and companion.

I spent my entire adult life in the United States Navy as a nurse, and because of my chosen career I did not get my own horse until I was well past my 40th birthday. From the time I can remember as a little girl...I loved horses. I was the girl that had every Breyer horse and all the tack that went with it...if they did not make it...I would. My parents never bought me a horse, they said, "We can't afford it.".

I knew in my heart someday I would find you. A lady that I am no longer friends with knew of you...and in fact she wanted to buy you but could not afford you. Tabasco, as you know you were sold for a lot of money because you came from Sweden in 2002, and you were very highly trained in dressage to I-1 that is 2 levels below Olympic Level. You spent the first 11 years in Sweden as a young rider's horse and was 4th in the nation in your class...something to be very proud of.

From the moment I saw you in the large pasture in Medford, New Jersey in July of 2004 (I traveled all the way from San Diego, Ca) I knew you were the one. Your big white face and four white socks yelled out..."I am the one.". I think you loved me already too.

We spent only 5 years together and I really thought I would have you longer...but all we have is this minute...and I am so, so grateful that I had you in my life. I always told everyone, "I am so lucky to have Tabasco.". Our first dressage instructor would say, "Tabasco, you met your match. Linda does not take your ___.". We would be 20 minutes into our lesson and you would check out on me, trying to buck me off and you did...and I looked at you...and called you names and got right back on. You probably could not believe your eyes. Here I was a total beginner on a professional's horse. YOU taught me how to ride. My trainer at the time would say, "If you can ride Tabasco, you can ride any horse.". She was right. Java is easy...I know you were jealous of her...but all of your right foot setbacks and your age motivated me to get a new horse just 3 short months before you died. Who would have known...

The timing of your passing was in perfect timing of God's plans. It was perfect as it could be. It was like you knew you would be going to greener pastures across the rainbow. I want to believe that you planned it that way...I was at a horse show when I got the call from the barn owner...it seemed like you were colic'ing. The vet came out, no bowel sounds, you had 5 poops in 20 minutes and you were thrashing in your stall. He gave you a sedative. I left the horse show as fast as possible, and the decision was made to take you to the Equine Hospital at San Luis Rey. On the way there, just minutes before arriving, you collapsed in the trailer. At that time I knew our time was coming to an end. My time with Tabasco was over. In my mind I am forever grateful for all our rides together in the dressage arena, in fact you probably remember I would always say, "Thanks T." at the end of our ride. I knew I would not have you forever...and we are never ready to say good-bye. (I am crying my eyes out now.)

We got you up and got you to the hospital. Three vets and the surgeon were waiting for us. I knew you were suffering when the Doctor said, "I have given Tabasco twice the normal amount of sedation and he is in a lot of pain.". At that point I had to make a decision. I did not feel that surgery was for you. I would be selfish to think that is what you wanted. I ended your suffering quickly...and my hope is that you did not suffer at all. I wanted to be with you as they walked you to the padded stall, but they talked me out of it. I am mad about that...I should have been with you...I am sorry. After you died, I spent a long time talking with you and telling you stories of our great time together. Remember the time you saw that goat and you took off with me...I thought I was gonna die. You never were comfortable on the trails, you were a show horse and show we did. We did all the triple rated shows and we won. You taught me so much and I gave you so much love in return; massage, chiropractic, green pastures, long walks and talks. You also gave me peace in my heart, a sense of accomplishment and the unconditional love that I needed. Your big white face and the perfect black dot on your nose made me laugh every day, you were always looking for the peppermints and black licorice.

Tabsco. I hope you are enjoying your retirement. I would love to have you in my life again...please come and visit any time. I would welcome you back in my life as my next horse...you are alive in my heart. I will always love and remember our times together.

Love,
Your Mom

September 2009





Dear Tabasco...

No doubt...I miss you dearly...it has been hard the last three months withhout you. Having Java has made it easier...she is a real love and is there to give me big hugs and greetings.

You were one of a kind. I would always get a story of nickers as to why I was not there the day before. I miss that about you.

I feel that you are grazing in the biggest green pastures. Be good...and be nice to your new friends...

Please meet me at the Rainbow Bridge when my day comes...

I love you,
Linda

December 2009






Dear Tabasco...
 
Wow...a whole year has passed and I survived...many of the early months without you were sad and difficult. Grief is a given in all of our lives...I spent many hours smelling your tail and looking at the shavings that were imbedded in it.  I miss you so much and think of you often. I feel that you are running free and eating all that green, lush grass with your new friends.

The raw pain I felt one year ago has subsided. I still miss you and I know you miss me too.  The pain of your loss has transformed into loving memories in my heart.  You are going on...and so am I.

Every time I see Java I am reminded how grateful I am to have had you in my life.  You taught me so much about myself...and how to survive your bad manners.   Java has been so solid and there for me. I have learned that the gift of perserverance is somthing that we all need in our lives.

Take care, my boy...I still cry at times when I feel your breath on my neck...I feel your presence.  Until we meet again...
 
Thank You, Tabasco.

Love,
Linda

August 2010






Dear Tabasco,

Only a few days will pass and fond memories of you come to my heart and mind.   It still feels only like yesterday that you left me.  Although the harshness of your loss is now bearable, I will always miss you. Having you in my life was worth the pain in my heart as you left my world 2 short years ago.

Love you always my T-Bone.

December 2011














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