"Let a horse whisper in your ear, and breathe on your heart... You will never regret it"
Over the last few months, M has really taken an interest in riding. I always hoped my children would grow up loving animals, and be privileged enough to have them in their lives. I don't remember ever not having animals. Horses and Dogs. Always.
My sister has always had a 'hot bum'. She was the wild, uninhibited, bold one out of us.
I was always cautious.
And then came Daniel. I never even rode him before he came to be mine... Mum knew he was one in a million - and the deal was done before we had even heard whisper.
When I first looked in to his eyes, I knew he was perfect. Anyone who has ever ridden or been around horses will know that their eyes really are the windows to their soul... And Daniel's were two of the softest, kindest, trusting, honest eyes I have ever seen.
I will always remember the first time I rode him - I'd been riding a horse on free lease for the past two years, and was scared stiff to jump with him... he was beautiful at home but terrifying to take out to competitions...
I climbed up onto this big chestnut, and for some reason he felt bigger than anything I had ever been on; and then I realised... his neck would give a giraffe a run for it's money!!! Although it didn't look it from the ground - his neck made him feel so much bigger.
My sister and I combined put him through a decade of Pony Club. He performed at state level just as willingly as he did mucking around in a paddock.
While I had many falls of this big boy - he never once frightened me, or made me feel anything other than an equal... He truly was a kind hearted, gentle soul.
This afternoon on my way home from work - my sister told me that her and Mum had decided it was time to have him put down. Whilst I understand why they needed to make the decision without me, I still wish it didn't have to be...
I left the kids with Yaya and drove out to his paddock, hopeful that the vet hadn't been, and after a long barfoot walk in the warm grass... I finally spotted the tip of his winter rug in the far corner of the paddock - munching away under the big gum trees.
Despite being in the prime of his happy retirement, instead of a sour look - he walked straight up for a cuddle. Call me silly but I'm sure this boy knows me well... I needed him. I talked, I patted - and he stood and listened. Not eating, just listening. I took off his rug and we walked together a while, until he dropped beside me to roll in the sunshine. Trusting. Right up until the end.
He walked me to the gate today. And he watched me walk to my car. I'm sure he was waiting for food - and if I had of had time to prepare for our goodbye he would of indeed had one last amazing supper - but as it was, he watched me drive away.
In my life, I have owned and ridden many horses. Out of all of these, only two have ever really touched my heart. Daniel was the first.
Daniel my boy - May the winds of heaven blow gently between your ears; And may your soul run wild and free. Rest in Peace lovely boy.
And in the words of the great Sir Winston Churchill... "There is something about the outside of a horse, that is good for the inside of a man"...
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