Thursday, November 24, 2011

Final Ride

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Yesterday was the day...the day our chapter in Steve Holt!'s life drew to an end, and his new life with his new owner was to begin. Before she arrived, we led him from his stall out into the barn, removed his blanket and began to groom him. That beautiful, long thick tail took some time, but when we were done, he looked like one of those show ring beauties who wears a tail extension!

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Darling didn't really want to saddle him. It'd been a year and a half since she'd ridden bareback, but her goodbye ride was done just that way. An easy, slow walk around the arena on a horse who had magically transformed himself this week to a western pleasure pony.

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Saying goodbye is never an easy thing to do, but we're so thrilled with Steve Holt!'s new owner. She showed up with a baggie full of sliced apples for him, and you know he was in heaven over that! She let us know we could come visit him any time we wanted...she didn't even need to be there...just come! She thanked us for putting so much time and effort into him, and made us feel so much better about him going to such a loving person. She'd ordered him a new blanket, she told us...one with a belly band to help keep him snug and warm. "I know, I know, I'm spoiling him!" she said. That's okay...Steve Holt! loves to be spoiled! He's going to be a happy camper, and that makes us happy.

And then he was gone...leaving us with nothing but photos and memories...

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10 comments:

jane augenstein said...

Oh, sniff, sniff...tears in eyes! Goodbye Steve Holt! Such a gorgeous horse, bet it was hard to let him go!
Happy new life Steve Holt!

Shirley said...

And such good memories they are.

Jeni said...

I'm happy his next chapter has started, kind of bitter sweet for you and Darling though.

Unknown said...

I will miss hearing about his adventures, I've always been a big fan....

Crystal said...

So glad he went to such a loving home, but sad still, I too will miss seeing him on here as well.

cdncowgirl said...

Its always so tough to say goodbye, even when you know its a good thing

Leah Fry said...

I hope you still have stories of his ongoing adventures. You brought him a long way. He's a lucky boy and his new person is a lucky lady. I love a happy ending.

GunDiva said...

I love his tail!

I'm glad he's going to a wonderful home. Maybe you can throw an update in once in a while?

aurora said...

Watery eyes here. Sounds like a win-win-win wonderful transition!

Margaret said...

You did a wonderful job with him and yes, his tail is amazing! Good life, Steve Holt!