Friday, July 02, 2004
To all the Great Horses I was reflecting the other day on our horse Barney as he munched contently on the hay in the pasture and thinking about what a pleasure it is to own a horse as great as him. It occurred to me that I would consider Barney to be a once in a lifetime horse for us. I remembered as a youngster my grandfather sitting me on his knee telling me about his "Brian" horse and how he was a once in a lifetime horse. Grandpa loved that horse and would tell me stories about their adventures together while living on his parent’s farm in New Brunswick Canada. His eyes lit up and there was a softness that came over his face as he retold stories about life on the farm and working with the horses. Brian was a great horse to grandpa, it wasn’t that he was a top athlete, had outstanding bloodlines or was the smartest horse ever. In fact I believe that he was a draft cross of undetermined blood out of his dads favorite grade draft mare June. Grandpa was given Brian as a gift on his 10th birthday as a very green 2 yr old. There were many stories told about training Brian and his exploits running away, bucking and breaking tie ropes and there were many more stories about first dates with Brian pulling the sleigh or cart, adventures of going to town riding him and working him in the fields. Which brings me to Barney.Barney came to us as a 3 yr old when we purchased him at auction. He was a small and scruffy looking youngster but he had a real sparkle in his eye and a kind inquisitive nature about him. There were a number of people who wondered what the heck we were doing buying such a plain and small gelding. I debated very hard on actually bidding on him but am so glad that I did. He was 16.3hh when we got him and looked more like a warmblood then a Percheron. Over the last two years he has really bloomed and far surpassed all expectations we had for him. His skill and animation in harness are a sight to behold as he stomps proudly around the ring. Barney has so many more qualities then I can even begin to write about. He is so many things to each member of our family. We all love him and are rewarded with his trust in us and his genuine will to do our bidding to the best of his ability regardless of the task asked. He is an amazing horse and one that will have a home with us for his lifetime on earth.
To all those out there that have a Barney in their barn… cherish that horse and enjoy your time with them. They don’t come along too often!
1 Comments:
My first was Spring (he came here when he was 5 and unfortunately died this year at age 33) a crazy App with a heart of gold. Currently I have my black Percheron Aimee that's never heard the phrase "can't do it" she gives 110% everytime she's out! Never spooks, never refuses... even with bad farriers and stupid vets, she's going strong (now 22 years old!)
Shea
tapsalteerie.blog-city.com
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