BUTCH -SOMETHING NEW

This rider is autistic and his skills and ability are coming along nicely. I decided to introduce Butch to his energy and see how things worked. Both had a very successful ride.

The Shoe

Recently a friend told me that she and her husband were purchasing a cabin and she thought a horse shoe from my place would be a good addition. She follows the school page on Facebook and told me she likes the stories - so she now becomes one of them.

I found a shoe – used – that came off a very special horse. Her name was Ms. CC Fork – a Pitchfork mare - that was my show horse for several years. Later in her life, at about age 18 she became the ‘founding horse’ for Abrazos Adventure.

Not only did she have a successful show career she was a fun horse to pleasure ride or take to parades. When grandkids came along she carried them to horse show wins just as she did me.

Over the years she was in the school, I don’t know how many people rode her and fell in love with her although she had an edge and attitude and kept us all on our toes.

After age 20 she developed Cushing’s disease and chronic lameness. During the course of treatment she was in special shoes to help with recovery. It was one of those shoes that I was able to send to my friend who is pictured here hanging it over their cabin door. It gave me a good feeling not to send just any old shoe but one full of sweet memories to help someone on their way to their own special times and memories.

And, to the unasked question – no, CC is not still with us. I had to have her put to sleep several years ago.

MAKES ME STOP AND THINK

 

I’ve tried not to ask a lot of questions about this little one but I found out she was a preemie and in the hospital under sedation for 9 very long months after her arrival on planet Earth. When time came for discharge, Mom was told by the doctors not to expect much. Thankfully, the follow-up support staff thought otherwise and encouraged the family to help her be all she could and yes, do expect much.

When she showed up I noticed tan lines – came wearing a tank top. When we talked Mom told me she really likes being outside and all kinds of animals. I continue to marvel at Mom’s ability to walk the thin line of encouraging independence and yet still protecting as needed.

The reason for horseback riding was to give her a sport that she can be good at – team activities are not a good fit right now. Also, Mom thought she too could learn and has a vision of the two of them riding horses together.

Needless to say, when they come, I find myself being very thankful for the life I have led and continue to lead. I can’t begin to wrap my head around a person just 3 years old having to learn all the ‘normal’ things to live her life but all the extra she has dealt with just to live.

I feel very privileged that they come here for her to ride and let the Queen, Teefa, take good care of her.