~Washington Irving
Very sad news for me as my old mare, Serenity, passed away naturally last evening at Shiloh.
Serenity was in her 30's and I had owned her for 25 years. She was my first horse and I got her when I was only 14 years old.
Serenity was a pistol in her young days- when I first got her, she bucked me off every day- yes, every day. I had wanted a horse all my life and now I had one and I was terrified! My parents had unknowingly made the worst decision a new horse owner could- they bought me a 5 year old green broke mare. But, we didn't know any better and, hey, she was pretty!
After many hard landings in dirt, mud and arena railings, we finally smartened up and I began to take private lessons from a wonderful horsewoman, Daina Brumfield. She helped me gain my confidence and I began to enjoy finally owning my own horse! After a while, no matter how she tried, Renny could no longer get me off. Renny gave me a crash course (literally) in riding and I have never looked back since. Nowadays, I always tell people who are looking to adopt a Shiloh Horse, "don't do as I did- start of with an older horse!" Renny's story has, and will, continue to influence the way I place horses into adoptive homes.
Over the years, Renny and I jumped, showed and trail rode all over the West. We did a little of everything and she was the most amazing horse. She taught countless Pony Clubbers how to ride and I took, and passed, my "A" rating on her. But always, even after packing my young brother around a jumping course, when I would hop on her, she would always begin to play around and remind me of our bronco days. It was a fun thing we did and I think she was be smiling as much as I was.
Renny lived out her final years in comfort at Shiloh. Seven years ago, she was diagnosed with Cushings Disease and would periodically battle bouts of Laminitis, but overall she stayed happy and upbeat to her last day. While she had a protective barn stall to live, she loved to just be let loose to wander and explore the ranch. She moved much slower now and her legs were wobbily, but to me, she was still that young, glossy mare who loved to get out and go.
Renny is buried at Shiloh out in one of our pastures. She lays next to my other two older horses who also passed away of old age at Shiloh, Hollywood and Austral.
Rest easy and in peace old friend. One day, we will be together again and I may even let you buck me off again for old times sake...
Renny last week, hanging out in the Barn aisle with her pals, Sunny and Gomez...
Renny and Sunny. Both crippled up with the infirmaties of old age-but still young at heart.
- Posted from the road on my iPhone!
9 comments:
The bargain we make to love an animal and hurt when they leave us... How wonderful that you had so many years.
You were so lucky to have had each other. Rest in Peace, Serenity
What a great model, that you got a horse that wasn't perfect and stuck it out, instead of getting rid of her. And what great rewards you both reaped.
It's been a tough year for you, Jill. Here's looking forward to a bright 2011!
we will miss you each week ,you would always have that funny nose thing going on every time i had a mint for you , take care renny
Nancy R I had to put down my fun, silly, and loving horse, Danny 2 years ago. He, too, had Cushings. He was a retired police horse from the LVPD, and loved his floor fan. He even tried gettin into the house a couple of times. I put a big floor fan on the backporch and he would move that fan around with his nose, as many as he thought he should, until it was just right. Then he would stand in front of that fan with it blowing in his face! What a crazy sight that must have been for the neighbors to see! This big horse standing on my back porch, under the overhang, with a fan blowing in his face to stay cool! Silly boy. It was the hardest decision I had to make to put him down, and my mare, his buddy grieved in the back of the property for a week. Who says horses don't have feelings. They ran and played together like little kids. Danny was 26 and was loved by me to the very end. Even in death I held his head and stroked his face and told him what a good boy he was. I understand your feelings of loss, Jill. My son told me that when you lose your horse the feelings you have are because a horse takes away an immense portion of your life. All the best, and one day you'll see him in that herd of horses flying by, in heaven, stopping when he sees your loving, kind, face. You can kiss his soft nose again.
Ah, I am so sorry you lost an old friend. But I am glad she lived a long life surrounded by love. We should all be so lucky.
So sad, I know your pain although I did not have Granite that long I know how much it hurts to loose them. Tony is gathering quite a herd up their. He now has the company of your sweet old horse.
Sounds like Renny was a fabulous teacher, even when you first got her! And still is now, years after you first "got" the lesson!!
Moved to tears by your words. How lucky she is to have been loved so much every day she was with you.
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