In Memory of...
23 year old Thoroughbred gelding
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“IF YOU BURY HER IN THIS SPOT, THE SECRET OF WHICH YOU MUST ALREADY HAVE, SHE WILL COME TO YOU WHEN YOU CALL – COME TO YOU OVER THE FAR & DIM PASTURES OF DEATH, AND DOWN THE REMEMBERED PATHS TO YOUR SIDE AGAIN. AND THOUGH YOU RIDE OTHER LIVING HORSES THROUGH LIFE, THEY SHALL NOT SHY AT HER OR RESENT HER COMING. FOR SHE IS YOURS AND SHE BELONGS THERE. PEOPLE MAY SCOFF AT YOU, WHO SEE NO LIGHTEST BLADE OF GRASS BENT BY HER FOOTFALL, WHO HEAR NO NICKER PITCHED TOO FINE FOR INSENSITIVE EARS. PEOPLE WHO MAY NEVER REALLY LOVE A HORSE. SMILE AT THEM THEN, FOR YOU SHALL KNOW SOMETHING THAT IS HIDDEN FROM THEM, AND WHICH IS WELL WORTH KNOWING. THE ONE PLACE TO BURY A HORSE IS IN THE HEART OF HER MISTRESS.”
Jewell
In writing these words I realize a chapter in my life has come to a close. The most dear and beloved chapter my journey has yet produced. Yesterday morning I lost a dear friend, a sister, a comrade, a horse.
Though many could never understand the bond we have shared, many of you do know the blessing of such partnership. From my 12th birthday on, my Jewell has been an inspiration, a challenge, an unwavering rock, and a teacher to me and all whom she met.
A true Thoroughbred, Kelian's Intrigue was everything a young girls dreams are made of. Fiery and fast, flighty but focused, short tempered and stubborn, willing and willful to the end. She did not settle, she did not compromise, she would never give up. She was perfect for me…we both shared the same heart.
Through the ups and downs in my life my Jewell was steadfast. The world could not touch me when buried in her mane...there was nothing life could throw me that Jewell couldn’t fix. Her beauty and grace were awe inspiring and humbling all in the same.
I reflect back to paragraphs of romping through the marsh, chasing deer close enough to reach out and grab them, galloping unstoppably through the Illinois corn. The friends and family members she taught to ride, to respect, to fall. The lives she changed and touched. I remember the wings she sprouted when effortlessly clearing fences, always precise and perfect if I didn’t try too hard at the helm.
As every turn in my life approached, she was always there to carry me. The fads, the fazes, in jumping, driving, dressage, the bareback days in the wood and streams. The hurt, the disappointment, the excitement, all the ups and downs there was a constant…Jewell
She was a keeper of peace and order. She was a reminder of bygone days and people I love and have lost. People whom loved her and I enough to bring us together. She has saved my life a million times over, she has provided me a path to something greater then myself.
She is a once in a lifetime love, one who will be missed everyday of the rest of my life…
Rest in peace my Bitty B…may my love and gratefulness always be with you.
10/14/09
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Hevvin's Oreo (Spots):
It is with a heavy heart I must post that we lost Spots to a severe colic Sunday evening 6/17/07. He just couldn't hang on or make it through a surgery, and we made the call to put him down to end his suffering. He is the first one we have ever lost and are hearts are heavy with grief. He was a wonderful & sweet little boy and will be greatly missed. He has made his journey over the Rainbow Bridge and will always be remembered by all that loved & cared for him through his short but happy life. Rest in peace in those beyond green pastures Spots...
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Forth Reading
With great sadness I am posting the news that #4 was killed last night 1/14/08 in a freak accident in his new home. From what we can tell, he and Firesweep (his best friend) were racing through their pasture and decided to try to jump the fence. Firesweep made it, #4 did not. He was thrown to the ground instantly breaking his neck. #4 was such a neat horse, coming in as a stallion he was nothing but sweet and always very sensitive. He had so many quirky & funny little ways about him. Leaving as a gelding, he was attentive and always looking to please you in any way he could. He had a personality like no other. He is now over the rainbow bridge floating on angel's wings. Rest in peace my funny boy... we will never forget you...
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Boo Kitty
Our faithful friend and trusty barn cat was laid to rest under the dogwood tree here at the rescue today 4/27/09. Boo was rescued when she was thrown from a moving car as a kitten. She is the type of cat who always brightened your day and went out of her way to make you feel loved. We have had her since inception and she was just as much part of MVR as anyone. She will be greatly missed. RIP my Boo boo...
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Rocky
Rocky was a 19 year old Arab cross gelding who was brought to KY from PA when another rescue's founder died, and it was discovered that she had been very fraudulent in her activities. He arrived skinny, wormy and in need of a true safe place to go. Rocky was brought in with 4 of his herd mates, 3 of whom had forever homes already lined up prior to their arrival. Rocky and his friends were brought to The Lake Cumberland Equestrian Learning Center for initial QT and layover. While there it was discover what a wonderful sweet and very kind horse Rocky was. He could not be ridden with a bit due to an old mouth injury, but we happily hopped on w/ just a halter and lead to discover Rocky was a diamond in the rough! He was adopted by the center as a school horse and has provided many lessons to children who adored him. Sadly, his adopters called this afternoon 5/21/09 to inform us Rocky had stepped in a hole in his pasture, and had broken his leg below the fetlock. The vet recommended he be put down, and we agreed. Rocky spent the happiest months of his life here in KY, and crossed the rainbow bridge knowing he had people who loved and cared for him. He will be sorely missed by all the staff, students and each person who grew to love him so dearly. RIP sweet Rocky...
Don’t cry for the horses that life has set free.
A million white horses forever to be.
Don’t cry for the horses now in God’s hand.
As they dance and they prance in a heavenly band.
They
were ours as a gift, but never to keep.
As they close their eyes forever to sleep.
Their spirits unbound. On silver wings they fly.
A million white horses against the blue sky.
Look
up into heaven, you’ll see them above.
The horses we lost, the horses we loved.
Manes and tails flowing they gallop through time.
They were never yours - they were never mine.
Don’t cry for the horses. They’ll be back someday.
When our time is gone, they will show us the way.
Do
you hear that soft nicker? Close to your ear?
Don’t cry for the horses. Love the ones that are here.
~by Brenda Riley-Seymore~
God forbid that I should
go to any heaven where there are no horses
R.B. Cunningham-Grahm