Tess
I got you when you were just 3 and very green broke...but you didn't scare or hurt me, instead you taught me...how to stay on bareback, how to ride with quiet hands, how not to ask too much lest you stop dead until I apologized, how to swim on horseback, how to jump, how to fall (those hurt) but at least you were willing to go down with me :), how to teach others, how to trust, how to raise a foal...TeDe was amazing...how did that grulla color come from you and a bay stallion? You also taught me to be aware of the way your body moved so that I could stay with you whichever way you chose to go, you had an absolutely amazingly comfortable trot and of course I learned how to really enjoy a gallop on your strong back, you seemed to have so many gears, whenever a horse got too close, you kicked into the next one and left them behind, awesome! I loved those rides and the times we spent just hanging out in the field sun tanning. But this year, I noticed when a trot, let alone a gallop was too much for you, that was a surprise but I knew, a reality as well. But you did it when asked and I think you would have kept on giving despite your circumstances. So mid summer, I took you in and got the official report on just where you were at and decided that fall, though too soon, would be the time to let you go. We took our time saying goodbye and I'm glad you stuck around so willingly, giving me time to prepare, even though you hurt. And on the day you left...it was great. We rode the field, we stood in silence, you were so perfectly behaved. You accepted each needle with no argument (although they all noted your strength) and then you let go and allowed me to lay with my head on your cheek as you went to sleep...forever.
You were great Tess. Thank you.