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Arabian/Quarter Horse
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29 years of age |
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Died August 29,
2006
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Thor and I met 15 years ago while he was working as a Hack horse at the
ranch where I was riding. He had a dubious reputation; being headstrong,
stubborn and a bit of a handful. Much to my surprise, he chose me as his
human of choice, charming me with his courage, his sweetness and his serene
sense of himself. When he came up for sale, everyone said, "Why, you
must buy him. Look at his eyes! He's chosen you.". And so I did. That was
the beginning of 15 years of adventure with the best friend I've ever had.
We rode the trails endlessly together: tiptoeing around sleeping
deer on misty days in the forest, sharing sunny picnics of bagels and
cream cheese (salted ones were his favorite) and flying through
thunderstorms, loud with the crackling of lightning down the mountains.
Even when I got hopelessly lost, (which was often!) I would lay the reins
down on his neck, and Thor would get us home without a hitch. We led trail
rides for endless groups of customers, did pony rides for little ones when
ponies were scarce, marched in parades with the drill team, carried Indian
grooms down the aisle to meet their wives, and he even modeled in Bridal
Magazine earning his own portfolio!
When a new horse entered the herd, Thor would look after them until they
were settled in. When old ones, young ones or injured horses needed a quiet,
kind companion, Thor was called on time after time. His mischief knew no
bounds and he could open any stall door, untie any knot and free himself
and his friends from paddock after paddock!
As he aged, his body succumbed to Founder and Cushings Disease. His saddle
was put away , we moved to a place where we could live together, and
roaming our green pastures became his job, where he continued to play his
pranks, teach his friends some new ones and quietly graze to his hearts content.
His last summer was spent wandering freely around my home and pasture with
his best friend Titan; nibbling at my garden, knocking down the bird feeders
occasionally, basking in the sun and standing in the fields at sunset with
me, watching the swallows and hummingbirds dart through the warm golden air.
On his last morning, he lay his head in my lap while Titan
and my family stood by his side sending him off on his
last adventure with all our love. He taught me of courage,
of faith, dignity, humor, patience, loyalty and most of all,
of love. Farewell my friend, my warrior, my love. Wait for me at the
Bridge. Until we meet again.
Grace Booth
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Thor 
