|
Thoroughbred gelding
|
21 years old |
| May 21, 1988 - July 6, 2009 |
The day I finally owned Tommy was one of the best days of my life. I had known Tommy for a very long time but did not become his owner until 4 years ago. Tommy had been bought by one of my sister's friends as a hunter prospect. Tommy was an ex-racehorse turned jumper, apparently he wasn't very fast as a racehorse. Tommy was a magnificent jumper though. He was very headstrong and I often remember him running around the arena at full speed with a rider on his back begging him to stop. Over time, with a little work and guidance, he became a great horse.
One day after my lesson I asked my trainer if there are any horses that need riding or who I could play around with. I had been riding the same horse for a long time and wanted something new to ride. My trainer told me Tommy hasn't been ridden in a few months and needs some exercise. So for about 2 years I rode Tommy at least 3 times a week, never to see his owner. One day I finally called them and asked them if I could have him and they said yes. A week later he was mine in the winter of 04. I finally had a horse of my own! Not one I had to share with my sisters or other members of my family.
In the final years, all Tommy and I did was trail ride. I didn't want to show anymore and knew he had enough. He was happy plodding along slowly as we walked through woods and rode through the fields. Tommy was one of my best equine friends I ever had. I felt peace when I rode him and all my problems seemed to go away when we trotted along.
Tommy, this is one of the hardest things I ever had to do. I'm at peace knowing you will no longer be in pain from your arthritis and can run like the wind in heaven as you happily munch away on all the oats, hay and carrots you could ever want. Thank you for being my friend and providing me with one of the best rides of my life.
Thank You,
Courtney Woods
|
Tommy 
