Thirteen years ago I was not a very good rider. I then found a big Chestnut Quarter Horse gelding. His name was Wendel. He looked very kind and gentle and I liked him right away.
I started taking Western Riding Lessons with him and we bonded very quickly. I then started showing him in local Saddle Club shows in Western Performance Classes and did very well.
Wendel was very kind and patient with me. I still did not have quite perfect cues, but he understood what I wanted and tried very hard to please me.
A few years ago, Wendel started to develop arthritis in his left front knee. The Vet was able to treat it for awhile but unfortunately it got worse. This year the arthritis started to cause him severe pain and he was straining to use his other limbs to compensate for his front leg. This was not a good thing because I was told that this could cause his other limbs to break down.
On August 12, 2015, the day I dreaded came. I just could not see Wendel in pain anymore. I then made the painful decision to have Wendel euthanized. This was the hardest decision of my life.
I stayed with him until his last heartbeat and breath. I then tearfully said good bye to him. He was a horse with a big kind heart and a sweet disposition.
I now know he is running free across the fresh green pastures of heaven in no pain.
He will always be in my heart and I will never forget him and what he did for me.
Rest in Peace my dear friend.
Tim Martinak
Watch Wendel Step
