When N was 6, I guess that would have been in '98, our neighbor asked if we would be interested in taking her horse. After talking with The Man, and convincing him it was a good idea we said yes.
Yugo arrived that fall of '98 and many were the hours when I would stand out in the field with him, just to be near him. I had never owned a horse in my life, and had ridden only a few times, but had always dreamed of the day I would have one. I insisted that the owner of Yugo would have to show me how to take care of him. She patiently showed me how to catch, brush, saddle and bridle him.
For that first fall and winter he roamed with the cows. They accepted his presence and he theirs. He would follow them around and we all agreed it was good for him to be with them.
The next spring I took my first lesson on him. I was TERRIFIED. I remember trying to catch him and lead him in to the coral and having him tear my shoulder half out of its socket. This horse, who was "older than dirt" still had some spunk! He was so patient with me as I put the bit in his mouth backwards, put his bridle on over his eye, or tightened up a stirrup in the cinch strap. I only rode him a few times before N started riding lessons and claimed him as hers. He patiently taught her how to ride, and when she moved on to Sierra, he became S's horse and he taught her also.
After about 4 years, he began to lose what little condition he had had. Despite all our efforts we were unable to keep weight on him, and when he tore his leg open it just wouldn't heal. We made the inevitable decision to have him put down. Or, I should say I made the arrangements, packed the girls up and let The Man handle the issue. We just couldn't be there.
Even as I type this it still brings tears to my eyes, for we miss him so. It's been three years now since he left us, but he will always be in our hearts. Our brave wonderful courageous kind hearted Yugo.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Yugo
Posted by
Kathy C
at
9:42 AM
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2 comments:
Oh I don't want to think of having to put one down.
I take it you got over your fear. I wish I could completely get over mine. I will never be 100% secure in that saddle. Maybe you shouldn't be. I loved your pictures...what a pretty horse! and little girl!
I'm sorry for the loss of your faithful companion/teacher. Animals give us so much. *hug*
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