WHEW! That Was Close

Launi, Launi, Launi. Went for a short ride this morning on my favorite Moose Baby (ok, he's my ONLY Moose Baby lol). We trotted downhill for the first time, just like the big, er older, horses do. We were having so much fun. Then we slow trotted up a steep hill & when we got to a flat spot, the next thing I knew we were airborne. Catching the shadow of our height out of the corner of my eye was pretty scary. I mean like REALLY scary. Haven't been on a buck that high since my Wraff Days. YIKES! Good thing Launi listened to my mad voice "HEY!" & stopped 'cause if he'd added any other naughty movement I'd still be laying out there among the poison oak. Whew, that was close. First time he's bucked & I hope it's the ONLY time. What a BRAT!!!  But not only did I not lose my stirrups, I didn't even lose my shoes.

RIP Sun

Oh Mr. Sun Sun, little did I know that my penchant for rescuing the unwanted horses would someday cause such pain. You were such a gentle soul who gave the greatest gift of all. You offered me your trust. You enriched my life, & that of my dear friend. We will both miss you & hold a place in our hearts for you always.

I will now always regret the day I brought that quarter horse gelding home from the auction. At the time it seemed the right thing to do. A young, healthy horse whose future was in danger. Everyone knows low end auctions are just a step away from the slaughter bound trucks. I just couldn't let a horse with so much potential travel that road. Justin had all the physical attributes to be a good athlete. I had visions of him going down the endurance trail with his effortless trot. Who could have guessed that powerful hindend would someday wreck havoc on one of the sweetest horses I have ever known.

On August 24th, 2011, 2 1/2 years after being saved at auction, Justin cornered Sun, kicking repeatedly & shattering Sun's knee. There was nothing the vet could do but end Mr. Sun Sun's pain. I know it's not rational to blame one horse for kicking another as that's what horses do. But right now I'm not rational & I DO blame Justin. While I hope he makes a great cattle horse for his new owner, I hope to never hear of him again.

Rest in peace sweet Sun. And thank you for sharing your life with me.