A Tribute to my Horse

"Through the days of love and celebration and joy, and through the dark days of mourning - 

the faithful horse has been with us always."
Elizabeth Cotton

In Memory of Watch Gunners Leo (March 2002 - May 2005)

To Baylee~ my loving friend, patient teacher, and a part of me forever

In Memory of Black Beauty "Blackie" (1978-2005)

In Memory of Dell’s Dilly Filly  AKA  “Shasta” (1980 - 2005)

In Memory of Morgan (est. 1975 - Jan. 2005)

In Memory of Suzy Mare (May 20, 1971 - Jan 19, 2004)

Watch Gunners Leo

I knew I got the better deal. 

A beautiful bay stud colt… just 10 months old. 

Had it not been for his Quarter Horse papers

You would have wondered if he was Arabian

With his narrow dished nosed, soft eyes.

Spend all your time waiting for that second chance
For the break that will make it ok
 

Gunner had the kindest, most playful personality.

He would sneak up behind me – I swear I wouldn’t hear him –

And breathe in my ear.  Whispering.

He would untie the other horses when they were being saddled

Jealous, I’m sure that he couldn’t come along, too.

He was the Houdini

Always on the other side of the fence

But wouldn’t stray

I need some distraction oh beautiful release
Memories seep from my veins

He would walk into an unhooked two horse trailer like he belonged there.

Or to show the other horses that he could do what they wouldn’t

A brave soldier

I’m pretty sure he would have walked into our house

Had the opportunity presented itself.

He took a bit and a saddle like he had done it all his life

And never knew how to buck.

They may be empty and weightless and maybe
I'll find some peace tonight

Gunner was everybody’s buddy, all the other horse’s friend.

He never had a bad day; just some self-inflicted instances.

I was honored on Mother’s Day

To have that first ride

Three hours astride what once was the playful colt

Now the gentle gelding; a good horse.

It don't make no difference, escaping one last time
It's easier to believe
In this sweet madness, oh this glorious sadness
That brings me to my knees

Your young life just started, Gun

We waited so long, it ended so fast

We were with you at the end

To let you go, To say goodbye...

Did I tell you what a good horse Gunner was?

You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent reverie

In the arms of an Angel fly away from here

You're in the arms of an Angel; may you find some comfort there

Watch Gunners Leo

2002 - 2005

Thanks for sharing your short life with us.

-The Vasa's

Where to Bury a Horse

If you bury him in this spot, the secret of which you must already have,
he will come to you when you call;

come to you over the far, dim pastures of death.
And though you ride other living horses through life,

they shall not shy at him, nor resent his coming.
For he is yours, and he belongs there.

People may scoff at you, who see no lightest blade of grass bent by his footfall,

who hear no nicker pitched too fine for insensitive ears.
People who may never really love a horse.
Smile at them then, for you shall know something that is hidden from them
and which is well worth the knowing...

The one place to bury a horse is in the heart of his master.

Remembering Barbaro

“So they finally gave up on that lame race horse,” someone at my office said when they heard the news of Barbaro’s passing.  To a non-horse person, I’m sure many thought it frivolous to keep him alive this long.  Heck, some horse people thought the same thing.  Early on, I wondered, too, if he had suffered enough.  And then he’d rally; kept beating the odds!  I joined his cheering section; became more of a fan than I was after the Kentucky Derby.  I would occasionally Google for progress reports.  Every time he would have a set back, I’d hold my breath.  Then he would overcome the latest challenge and seem to be flying down the track to recovery once again. 

Barbaro lost the race yesterday and I mourned as if I lost one of my own horses.  We’ll never know what he could have been.  To me, I’ll remember his grace, beauty… his run for the roses.  His perseverance.  And I’ll remember the day we had to let him go.  As a tribute, he’ll remain on my screen saver for a time and I’ll remember him in my heart, always.  Godspeed, Barbaro.   ~Tammy