And I mean, REALLY grown up!
7 years ago (and it seems like yesterday) we were rushing out to our vet's barn, all bundled up in jackets because it was a bit chilly for the end of April, to see the first foal that we had ever bred. We got the call he was being born, panicked a bit, squealed with excitement, and quickly loaded into the truck. When we got there, he was standing up already for his first nurse, and had been in the world for 20 minutes. The mare had literally dropped to the ground, given birth, stood up, and the foal had followed and nursed. Pretty darn good for a first time momma!
I remember hearing my parents remark "Thats a BIG baby! Look at that long neck and tail!". Booker was all long limbs, long neck, and fuzz, and he instantly stole my heart. I went into the stall, and he was the friendliest baby, came right up to me to nuzzle. We bonded instantly and he laid down, put his head in my lap, and fell asleep.
Ever since then, we've had a special bond. He is "my horse". I used to go sleep in his stall when I was younger and going through some hard times. He grew into an unheard of size for a morgan (known for their smaller, more stocky build), getting to 16.2 HH with no shoes on, and is long, stretchy and elegant! He is absolutely stunning, and my gentle giant dwarfs every other horse on our farm
So when I got the call back in Dec. that he was being pulled from training because he was "a lunatic" and "unworkable" and would "never amount to anything, you just need to send him to slaughter", I couldn't believe my ears! MY Booker? My sweet Booker who is honest as the day is long, intelligent, and dying to be everyone's friend? I'd have none of it. Within a week after bringing him home, the calls rolled in from this trainers other clients begging me to spare my horses life (AS IF I would ever consider sending him to slaughter ) and letting the cat out of the bag about just how much he was worked, how he was trained, and what she did to him. To say I'm livid doesn't even begin to cover it. I was so mad I was physically nauseous. She ABUSED my horse and told everyone that it was at my request!!! Just thinking about it sends me into a fit of shaking rage.
But, there is a silver lining. One of the people who called to talk about the treatment Booker received while he spent 15 months at a training stable while my family and I shoveled out THOUSANDS of dollars, thinking we were ensuring him the best care and training money could buy, just happens to practice and train using natural horsemanship methods. And he decided back in Mid February to take Booker on as a "rehab horse" and work with him. I am pleased to announce that my "lunatic horse" is now being ridden, safely and sanely, picking up both canter leads, and is getting more and more confident everyday! I just got the call from the trainer, he is so genuine and excited about Booker's progress. Tonight, I go out to officially ride my baby for the first time. It's been 7 years in the making. There have been so many setbacks. And I am SO excited. I just know its going to be a monumental moment when I climb on his back for the first time. I have this feeling in me that it was meant to be, that ever since I first saw that teetering little foal with those unusually long legs, we were meant to be together as a pair.
I'm both nervous and excited for this moment. Wish me luck!!!
Pictures of course, will be coming soon
7 years ago (and it seems like yesterday) we were rushing out to our vet's barn, all bundled up in jackets because it was a bit chilly for the end of April, to see the first foal that we had ever bred. We got the call he was being born, panicked a bit, squealed with excitement, and quickly loaded into the truck. When we got there, he was standing up already for his first nurse, and had been in the world for 20 minutes. The mare had literally dropped to the ground, given birth, stood up, and the foal had followed and nursed. Pretty darn good for a first time momma!
I remember hearing my parents remark "Thats a BIG baby! Look at that long neck and tail!". Booker was all long limbs, long neck, and fuzz, and he instantly stole my heart. I went into the stall, and he was the friendliest baby, came right up to me to nuzzle. We bonded instantly and he laid down, put his head in my lap, and fell asleep.
Ever since then, we've had a special bond. He is "my horse". I used to go sleep in his stall when I was younger and going through some hard times. He grew into an unheard of size for a morgan (known for their smaller, more stocky build), getting to 16.2 HH with no shoes on, and is long, stretchy and elegant! He is absolutely stunning, and my gentle giant dwarfs every other horse on our farm
So when I got the call back in Dec. that he was being pulled from training because he was "a lunatic" and "unworkable" and would "never amount to anything, you just need to send him to slaughter", I couldn't believe my ears! MY Booker? My sweet Booker who is honest as the day is long, intelligent, and dying to be everyone's friend? I'd have none of it. Within a week after bringing him home, the calls rolled in from this trainers other clients begging me to spare my horses life (AS IF I would ever consider sending him to slaughter ) and letting the cat out of the bag about just how much he was worked, how he was trained, and what she did to him. To say I'm livid doesn't even begin to cover it. I was so mad I was physically nauseous. She ABUSED my horse and told everyone that it was at my request!!! Just thinking about it sends me into a fit of shaking rage.
But, there is a silver lining. One of the people who called to talk about the treatment Booker received while he spent 15 months at a training stable while my family and I shoveled out THOUSANDS of dollars, thinking we were ensuring him the best care and training money could buy, just happens to practice and train using natural horsemanship methods. And he decided back in Mid February to take Booker on as a "rehab horse" and work with him. I am pleased to announce that my "lunatic horse" is now being ridden, safely and sanely, picking up both canter leads, and is getting more and more confident everyday! I just got the call from the trainer, he is so genuine and excited about Booker's progress. Tonight, I go out to officially ride my baby for the first time. It's been 7 years in the making. There have been so many setbacks. And I am SO excited. I just know its going to be a monumental moment when I climb on his back for the first time. I have this feeling in me that it was meant to be, that ever since I first saw that teetering little foal with those unusually long legs, we were meant to be together as a pair.
I'm both nervous and excited for this moment. Wish me luck!!!
Pictures of course, will be coming soon