My sweet Baby,
You came into my
life almost as unexpectedly as you left it and stole my heart equally
as quickly. I'll never forget the first time I saw you, about 5 years ago.
You were way too thin and dirt-covered and mangy. My friend told me they
were trying to sell you before they moved, but couldn't find anyone to
buy you due to your condition. When she offered you to me for free,
I was both wary and excited. I didn't really know what I was getting into,
but you turned out to be my own personal miracle. You taught me the
responsibility and hard work of owning a horse and showed me the amazing
bond that could result from such work. You were looking significantly better
in just a few months, but injured your leg in a barbed wire fence accident
shortly after. I nursed you back to health for the second time in a year
and was thrilled when we could start riding again.
I'll never forget our twilight
bareback rides on the academy campus by your pasture. Everyone who rode you
thought you were fabulous...and of course, they were all right. I could put
anyone on your back without worrying about their lack of experience. You
were so gentle and kind to everyone, especially beginners.
There were times when you
were such a brat that I thought I couldn't possibly take it any longer, but
those times only increased my love for you, you big goofball. Your flighty
"Thoroughbred typical" antics never ceased to both amuse and frustrate--but
even through those instances our bond grew stronger.
I feel so blessed to have
been able to work as a wrangler with you at summer camp for our last two
summers. The kids loved you to death and always complained because policy
didn't allow them to ride you. When we began our amateur rodeo up at camp,
you never ceased to amaze me with how athletic you were for a 23 year old
grandma. You put all those young whipper-snappers of trail horses in their
places.
Baby, you'll never know
how much you taught me about life and love and responsibility. I already
miss you so much and it hasn't even been 24 hours! I'm so sorry I couldn't
be there to say goodbye, but you didn't give me time, mare. It's almost time
for finals and there was no way that I could have driven the 500 miles between
school and home to get to you before you would be gone. I'm so glad that
we caught on before you went through too much pain.
Since I didn't get to say goodbye in person, this will have to do: I love
you so much, mare. I wish I could have whispered that to you before you passed.
You know I've always loved you. You always were and always will be my dream
horse. You're the best thing that ever happened to me, and I will never,
NEVER forget you. Sleep well, baby. Your legacy will forever live on in our
memories and in my heart.
Andi
Velvet 
