Saturday, May 16, 2015

Happy 10th Birthday DreamCatcher Rabulaun

Happy Birthday Launi!

It sure has been a long, challenge filled 10 years.  It's hard to believe it's been that long since you came into this world.  You were such a big colt with so many problems.  A month premature, knees like jello, & so windswept your hind legs were crossed. Then your umbilical cord hemorrhaged & you had your first trailer ride at just a few hours old.  And you were HEAVY!  It took a lot of muscle to hold you up so you could try nursing.  Your poor under developed legs just couldn't hold you up.  How many times did I milk your dam so I could bottle feed you?  I know I overfed you because just look at how big you are today.  LOL

You were PERFECT.  You were all that I'd hoped for when I bred your parents.  I got my colt.  I still chuckle when I remember the vet at UCD asking me how I'd kept you alive when you were born.  She had no idea how much I wanted you & that losing you was NOT an option. I even refinanced the ranch so you could have all the surgeries to fix your legs.  You were definitely my drug baby.  With all the drugs to keep your dam from miscarrying you, and all the anesthesia from multiple surgeries, you were a twitchy colt who's skin would crawl when touched.  But you were mine & I loved you.

You've always been so much fun, putting up with all the crazy things I do.  Using you as a ring toss pole, & dressing you for all occasions.  It was so thrilling to ride you for the first time.  So big & bold, so full of confidence, you've always been an exciting, adrenalin rush to ride.  I didn't say you've always been good to ride.  You sure have given me some white knuckle, please let me not fall off rides.  But after every please don't let me die ride, once we were safely back at the trailer, I've always looked forward to our next ride.  You sure have a bag of naughty tricks.  From bucking, rearing, head slinging & even your "let's run away today" episode, I wouldn't have missed a minute of our time on the trails.  It was so thrilling to finish your 50 mile ride at Camp Far West.  Not only did I survive, I had the time of my life.  Well, ok I'll admit I was DONE & totally worn out, but you were ready for more.  Bright eyed & barely the worse for the wear. I envisioned many more, exciting rides in our future.

Looking back, I do know that you're one of my "saved foals".  So many times I've felt we were on borrowed time.  Any every time you've pulled through.  It was fortunate that I listened to my instincts when I had you gelded at UCD as a surgical case.  I'd have lost you had you been gelded in the field.  Gelding you was the best thing I could have done for you.  You're so much happier living a herd life. You were worth giving up on my dream of you being a stallion. You were such a challenge & I knew you wouldn't be safe if something should happen to me.  Thank you for the beautiful daughters you gave me before you were gelded.  2014, the year of tears.  I truly thought our borrowed time was over.  You were so sick, even the vet thought I was losing you.  My heart was breaking.  How could I lose my heart horse?  I wasn't if I had anything to do about it. What a long, hard time those months were through winter, spring, & into summer.  Then you were well.  Your bloodwork was once again normal.  Were there residual ill effects?  Only time would tell.  Then the day came that I got on you.  Oh what a wonderful feeling.  We went out on the trail & you were back.  I just wanted to wave my arms in the air & squeal in delight as we trotted down the trail.  Once again I began planning our endurance future.  But wait, there was a day when your back was sore.  After chiropractic & acupuncture with no real relief, I had your back x-rayed.  Remember that fall a few years ago?  It's come back to haunt us.  You have arthritis & bony changes on your spine.  There's even a hint of an old fracture.  Who'd have guess that running & playing & falling that day would end our riding time together?  I don't know what's in store for us now.  It's very possible we'll never go for another ride.  We're going to have to think of other ways to enjoy our time together.  What other horse will put up with costumes, balloons, hula-hoops, & me?  You are my heart horse & I love you.  No matter what, we'll be together as long as borrowed time will allow.

Happy Birthday Moose Baby, aka BIG BRAT!  And here I come with your carrots.
 

 
 

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