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Post by SandyG on Dec 30, 2016 10:42:26 GMT -5
With the dampness in the air, we have frosty whiskers and gentleness in the barns - they are calm in the warmer weather. The winds are down so even Gracie wandered outside this morning to test the hay on the hay pad. She'll nap for the afternoon in the bed of hay in the pasture.
Hollie ate her breakfast this morning after skipping supper last night. She taught me a very private lesson: do NOT bute her before her supper. If you bute in the evenings, do it after supper as the taste of the bute in her mouth makes her suspicious of anything in a bucket that you offer her! Lesson learned and noted, HollieDollie.
Time to sort and ready the blankets for Tuesday evening - with the cold temps we will be back to deep insulation with the flannel sheets and layers. I'll count to see how many blankets are involved - I wouldn't be surprised if we are around 25 or so -
And time to refill the feed stores - a pallet of feed (40 bags at 50lbs per bag) will come home this Sunday and then get stored in the barn. Best to do it when it isn't blowing, snowing, or freezing!!! Another lesson learned and noted!
Thanks for your emails and notes for the new year. Each one is treasured!
Sandy and The Herd
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Post by SandyG on Dec 31, 2016 10:17:13 GMT -5
So long, 2016! You were a year of worry, stress, coping, and hard work. The results were a year of life, snuggles, velvet noses in your face, and content horses grazing the green grasses. The world was on a tilt, of sorts, and remains a bit shaky but here on this little hill - the earth was sound and we stood against those we thought "they" were useless. Not worth the effort let alone the money. And, again, they healed and became the healing ministers that we knew were deep inside them.
We are only as strong as our conviction. Only as good as our efforts and goals. And only as kind as we will allow ourselves to be. 2016 taught us to give until it truly hurts. And then give a little more. The rewards? The joy of a stately life that everyone else saw no merit in supporting.
May 2017 be a year of refreshed energy. Refreshed dedication to the world of rescue. Refreshed patience with the human species. And refreshed love for those creatures that are left behind. May we all see the merit and give in any way we can! And may we remember in this sea of unwanted everythings . . . that for the ones of all species that we touch, we make the greatest difference possible.
Amen.
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Post by SandyG on Jan 3, 2017 9:24:56 GMT -5
Like I told Dr. Rande last evening, we'll get the rough stuff out of the way early this year and then it will be smooth sailing for the remainder of 2017.
Sunday morning, I found The Ole' Man down and not interested in rising at all. Calling EVERYONE who could pull on a lead rope, I waited for the rescuers to arrive and bailed the 280 gallon tank (that I had topped off just a few hours before!). Once the tank was out of our way, we opened gates, attached strategic ropes, and organized our efforts. On "three" we pulled in our designated directions and the old guy did get up. He was very, very fragile and shaky and he fell a few times but righted himself and managed to get his legs under him.
Too weak to have us near him, we stationed water, hay, and feed in front of him but he was still restless. The trick? We partitioned the north side of the big barn in two parts and then brought Josephina over to the stall next to him. He settled down and stood to eat his feed and munch on hay while she did the same thing a few inches from him.
To those who responded to my plea for help on New Year's morning, we did, in fact, give him time to reconsider. As of last night, he was eating and a bit concerned that his girlfriend had been exchanged for Hollie, Helen, and PONY! but I'm trying to get the routine set for this week of frigid air. I'll put Josephina back for the daylight hours and then give the weaker trio the shelter of the stall in the colder night air.
This poor old horse has no stores to fall back on and no meat to cushion his fall. I'm sure his body is sore where he fell on the hard, frozen ground and I'm sure his insides are tender from the shaking they took from the falls. But he is determined to be in love and determined to stay alive for her. Truly, an amazing example of the emotions winning over a body that is all but used up.
So today we will focus on layering blankets as the temps go down and the winds go up, getting a "routine" to our new setup, and settling Gracie in her workshop digs. I brought her up last night because the night air was going to turn and so she is content with hay, feed, water, and of course, a source of heat in her "room". What a lucky little horse she is! And she knew where she was going, too! Because of the sheer ice on the driveway, I walked Gracie across the yard last night. Twice she got ahead of me! Twice she told me I was walking too slowly and she wanted me to hurry up and stay with her! If you know Gracie, you know what a statement that was!!
Stay safe and warm - and please, watch out for the ice!
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Post by SandyG on Jan 3, 2017 21:02:50 GMT -5
I went out to the barn this morning and hooked and fed the kids. Coming back into the house to give them time to eat and rest and to give me time to post the last bb, feed the cats, and then redress for heading back out to put extra blankets on a few of them before I opened the doors. The Ole’ Man had other ideas.
When I returned to the barn, The Ole’ Man was on the ground and calm as any horse I’ve ever seen. In fact, when I knelt next to him I looked to see that his ribs were moving to check for breathing. His eyes were closed and he was just asleep. No fighting, no feet flying, and not an ounce of tension anywhere. The only time he moved and became a bit restless was when I removed my hand and left his head and went to unhook a horse, answer the telephone, or greet Dr. Rande when she arrived. His source of comfort, it seemed, was the human hand on his head and a voice behind him talking to him and reassuring him that he was not alone. And that yes, it was a good day to die.
The American Indian used to say their good-byes, wander off and sit on a hill, and then say, “It is a good day to die.” The Ole’ Man gave me the exact same impression of his intentions today. He could have crossed very easily on Sunday morning or any time after that entire episode. But no – he chose when to cross and it as this morning, AFTER he had eaten his breakfast of the feed mix that he loved so much. It was then that he took that old body and laid it down on to the earth and said, “It is a good day to die.”
We are working hard to find resources to bury The Ole’ Man on the west hill so that Josephina and Faline may join him when their times come. He fell hard in love with Josephina and Faline is the right hip of Josephina, so a family was born. In a very short amount of time, that little family grew to know and depend upon each other and give each other a sense of calm and comfort. And so it is only right to keep them together, as a family, as they move on to their next lives.
He was cantankerous, stubborn, bull-headed, and almost dangerous in the beginning. But he grew on you very quickly. As I’ve said many times: The sicker they are, the weaker they are, the worse they are, and the more desperate they are – the harder you fall in love with them – more deeply and more intensely. So it was with The Ole’ Man. In just 75 days, this horse became one of us and earned his rightful place in spite of being so very weak and worn out. But the spirit in that horse remained strong throughout. And only when he gave his body his permission, did his spirit feel free to move on.
I am grateful to have known him, to have comforted him this morning, and to have witnessed his gentle release. Grateful for the experience and the lessons of The Ole' Man.
The Ole' Man Mustang gelding, 38 - 40+ years of age Arrived: October 17, 2016 Crossed: January 3, 2017
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Post by SandyG on Jan 4, 2017 11:17:20 GMT -5
The time spent yesterday evening was time well spend - a total of 27 blankets (including flannel sheets) were put on horses who all - no exceptions! - were grateful for the warmth. Faline about dances when she has her new blanket on! Honestly, I don't think she has ever felt a blanket before and I expect, as she did last time, that she will bite and hold on to it when I go to remove in on Sunday or Monday of next week.
It is quiet without The Ole' Man hollering to Josephina as she disappears from his side of the barn while she eats her breakfast. And then there would be the low nickers when he hears and smells her returning. Josephina paused this morning and looked over to the north side of the barn - looking for her little boyfriend. But she quickly moved out to find Faline and resume their sisterhood. Josephina could smell him last weekend and early this week - she knew he was shutting down.
Dr. Rande came back last evening as I was topping tanks and blanketing. She quietly sat on the ground and said her "so longs". Every once in a while, a creature reaches her and I'm happy to see that it still bothers her. When it doesn't bother us, then we need to move on with our lives and leave the rescuing to those who cry for them. No words but hugs given as she left. No words needed.
It is sharp out there and I'm grateful for buildings, round bales, tank heaters, and horse blankets. And then there is Jeri-Ann who, I don't think, even knows that it is cold!!
Have a good day today - make it a treasure to keep!
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Post by penelope on Jan 4, 2017 14:27:05 GMT -5
I am so sorry to hear about The Ole'Man. Free from the tiredness and pain, you will meet him again in all his glory.
Penelope
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Post by SandyG on Jan 5, 2017 10:31:21 GMT -5
Oh, Penelope - you don't know the picture I have in my mind of crossing that bridge to see two "herds" standing there waiting for me to finish the final few steps: My family - Mom, Dad, Donna, and Andy all standing arm in arm waiting patiently as I run to the other herd - the animals! Horses, dogs, cats, pigs, llamas, chickens, deer, and now The Ole' Man, too . . all in a herd waiting for hugs and kisses and a chance to reunite. I'm right with you there, Girl! Right with you there!
My job on this earth is to care for those who need special cares - this morning that means hot mush to four horses, topping tanks, checking under blankets, feeding the weaker 5 horses, and getting everyone outside with the ample hay in front of them and in the sunshine out of the winds. Again, I am in awe of Jeri-Anne who stands with her head above the current hay bale and watches me approach. Tall, thick, and really not even aware of the coldness of the air other than that frost in every orifice of her body. Jeri-Anne reminds me every single day of how it could be if we humans just took care of them. The strength and stamina they have. The ability to withstand cold air. And the joy of just being present in this time. We humans have so much to learn.
In a small voice inside, there is a part of me that is relieved that The Ole' Man chose earlier this week to rest his body. How to keep him warm in this sustained cold is beyond me. I'm so grateful to that horse to have chosen his time and to have stuck to it. If he had struggled, Rande and I would have helped to right him again - and again. But The Ole' Man told us to leave him alone and help him, comfort him, be with him, and get him there in grace and dignity. This cold would have required a human to make the call and I do not like being in that position. So, Penelope, the first thing I will say to The Ole' Man after I hug him is, "Thank you, Sir!".
Be careful on the ice and dress for Santa Land!!!
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Post by SandyG on Jan 6, 2017 10:31:04 GMT -5
Prepare yourself - I'm on my soapbox!!
This is a brutally cold winter season and, according to the calendar, the worst of the cold weather is yet to come. Here we sit with a BEAUTIFUL steel building constructed. And empty. And cold.
In my mind, I've worked through the tasks, the funds, the resources, and had previously settled on the fall of 2020 would be the "Ready Date" for the first use of the heated hospital building. I am now NOT in sync with that plan or that date. Not at all!!!
Earlier this week, we lost a beautiful creature that, I believe, was at his life's end even if we had a heated stall for him. However, a heated stall would have eased his journey and so there is regret that we were not able to support him as he deserved. And now this morning, our ClydeMare is shivering. She is blanketed and eating hay pellets to produce heat but her legs are draining and heat is being lost through those legs faster than she can create it. I don't believe she is in danger of losing her battle but she does not need to fight this battle! We have the building! We need doors, a wall, and electricity and her battle is only to heal and enjoy herself - not to be shivering and standing in the doorway trying to warm with the sunshine's help!
So, get ready! If you are a part of this Herd of Volunteers, we will focus on that building in 2017. We will do fundraising events for electrical work. We will work to build the wall ourselves, if we need to! We will write grants for the heater needed for the hospital and we will do all that is possible to have a place for horses that is 36 degrees in the winter - above freezing - so they can relax and use the food we give them to heal and grow new tissue.
My Mother would say I am a broken record. Yup. Get ready. You're going to hear about it again and again. And you will be asked to help again and again - your time, your funds, and your prayers. The workshop is working for Gracie but she is a horse and deserves the company of other horses. Although, I am beyond grateful for that heated space to place her!!! It is truly saving her life every day!!!
If anyone would like to search for grants that will support our capital project, I would welcome the help! There is a source for the heat reference so we know what to purchase - it is just the cost of purchase, install, and the tank to hold the fuel. And we know who will be doing our electrical work so it is time to get to him, get a bid, and get on his calendar. We do need a plumber - we have the stainless sinks and one of the in-line water heaters. Does anyone have a reference for a plumber that will work with us? And we need a plan (or another hydrant) for the water tank on the run-in side. And we need doors - 2 human service doors (with locks) and 3 more roll-up doors - one that is insulated.
Obviously, Clyde-Mare frightened me this morning. But that's a good thing. Gets me off my haunches and onto my feet. Gets me fired up and turned into a broken record. And makes me realize that we need to do this in addition to our Horses Helping . . . program, rescuing, training classes, parades, public appearances, the Vette raffle, and volunteer recruitment. And oh yeah, running THE STORE, too!!!
Thanks for listening! Now, please put your heads into thinking mode and let's make progress! This building is glorious and we need to use it for the intended purpose!!!
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Post by SandyG on Jan 6, 2017 19:22:49 GMT -5
Without the winds, this zero degree temp feels almost balmy. What a difference from this morning! The bitter-freeze-the-insides-of-your-nose-cold is past and the "normal" cold is upon us. But the lack of the winds makes all the difference in the world. Whew! We are over the hump and in 36 hours we may actually be pulling some blankets!!!
Tanks are topped, meds are administered, feedings are completed, blankets are checked, and the barn cats are fed their hot moist food. Now on to Gracie and Big Mama and we are good for the night. And that's good - the caretaker needs a good night's sleep and not one bothered with random trips down to the barn "just to be sure" and then the knowing concerns over Clyde-Mare that hovered over us all day. She ate a good supper and is no longer shivering. The intense cold was just deeper than she could support given the open tissue on her legs.
Several of you have already responded to the soapbox message of this morning and for that, I cannot thank you enough! We will search for grants, search for scratch 'n dent heating systems, and search for resources willing to help us finish up that hospital so we are set for the onset of next winter. AND also so we have great conditions for this coming summer's routines with Clyde-Mare and any other supports that become a part of our daily routines.
RockMan needed this hospital and it was still a dream when he crossed over. Clyde-Mare needs it now and we are already 75% of the way there! Just a matter of time before we have the dedication, the blessing, and the first procedure in our glorious hospital.
Pinch me!!!!!
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Post by SandyG on Jan 8, 2017 11:46:20 GMT -5
Some of your thoughts on The Ole' Man:
* First, my condolences on the passing of The Ole’ Man. I believe he was surrounded by love and felt so content—so wanted that he had probably never experienced. What a wonderful way to pass.
* He had the last 3 1/2 months of life on earth receiving consistent food, blankets, touch, attention, love and care - more than he had received in years. Refuge Farms is to thank for that - he had an angel his last days on this earth. He was alone too long . Know that Refuge Farms made a difference in his life --
* So sorry to hear about the crossing of The Ole' Man. He sounds like one of the best. And he loved Josephina. Thank you so much for taking such wonderful care of him and all the other loved ones.
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Post by SandyG on Jan 11, 2017 22:45:41 GMT -5
I know this will sound peculiar for a posting from me, but it is a very nice evening outside - for winter in Wisconsin! The winds are calm (THANK YOU!!!), the air is somewhat dry so easy on the joints, and the fresh snow has covered the ice and is still sticky enough to not fly out from under your boots. The kids are blanketed in expectation of the winds of tomorrow and the freezer about to drop on us for 48 hours. But I promised them this evening, as I blanketed them, that by Sunday they will be naked again and rolling in the snow and sunshine. Can hardly wait - all of us!!!
It is time to take on a few projects at THE STORE - rearranging the jewelry cases to a new spot, adding to the collector's half of the floor, and getting the bed "packaged" and still visible but not utilizing so much floor space. Dusting and vac'ing, of course, is a must and our Lucy needs a new couch cover and her bedding washed. By the way, many have stopped in over the holidays and Aris was at THE STORE today and every single person has commented how healthy and happy Lucy looks! YEAH!!! That little creature has much good work to do and so her health and happiness is vital to the ability for her to love and reach out to people who venture into our store. And that, she does very well, indeed!
Isaac was here yesterday - even in that storm - and trimmed all the "little ones" plus big Jeri-Ann. The effort we are making to trim and reset her every 8 weeks is showing big improvements in her feet. Isaac says even the trimming on the bottoms of her feet is easier and he sees improvement in the density and shape of her feet. New shoes, this time, all around with carbide on the shoes to stop the slipping on the ice. The girl has some beautiful and enormous feet, that is for sure. So you can compare, many track horses are a size 4 or 5. Our little girl is a size 8 shoe - a special order shoe because they are so large! Isaac said when he ordered her new shoes they sent him size 6's - assuming he had made a mistake when he ordered the 8's. HAH!!! He had to re-order and specify that he KNEW he was ordering 8's and yes, he needed size 8's! And, as I key this, I'm looking at the little locking container that contains her first manure droppings. . . there is nothing on or coming out of that horse now that is even close to that delicate anymore!!!
Anyhow . . . I digress. Have a great evening and please prepare for the cold day on Friday! Errands before or after, please!!!
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Post by SandyG on Jan 13, 2017 11:14:00 GMT -5
These horses know the routine. In fact, in yesterday's winds, when I flew home and literally flew down to the barn, Helen and PONY! were standing outside their gate waiting to be allowed to head into their stall for the night. Clyde Mare was standing watch and Faith was standing, ever so patiently, in a tie stall. Waiting. Hooking and feeding is a fraction of the time it was in October!
I am so happy to hear that we will NOT go below zero tonight! What a grand relief! I can feel the cement blocks falling off the shoulders of those who work outside in this weather and those that must battle the cold just to survive. We do need a break and anything will be welcome!
Maybe, with a break in the cold air, some of this paperwork will get cleared up. Just maybe . . . but then, it will be time to clean the workshop so Gracie has a clean home when she needs it again. Time to plow to tidy up the yard. Time to haul pellets into the house. And time to work on emptying boxes....
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Post by SandyG on Jan 14, 2017 10:12:59 GMT -5
There is such calm in the barns! The kids seem to know there is warmer weather coming as when I turn on the lights I see faces instead of butts! Usually, the past month or so, they have had their heads buried in the round bales as they eat that precious hay to stay warm! This morning, Ella and Joseph were sleeping next to a bale, Hollie was just standing dozing, while PONY! and Helen were wandering the pasture for a bit of exercise. What a wonderful, happy sight!
Tomorrow some of the heaviest blankets will come off (we still have a below zero night to get through tonight) and then our Gracie will wander down the driveway back to her pal, Miss April. That will be a scratching episode for both of them! AND it will give me some time to clean the workshop and prepare for her next visit. Perfect timing, too, as the Specialized Farrier is here on Monday for Miss April and Gracie's trims.
The sunshine is like medicine. So, People, please take your medicine!
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Post by SandyG on Jan 18, 2017 10:25:39 GMT -5
How odd to open the barn door and not have horses in the building! Instead, they are outside spread out in the hay or sleeping in the sunshine standing up with their faces to the sun. Wonderful scenery!!!
The forecast for rain is worrisome for the forest critters - dangerous for the fowl and makes the ground difficult for the prey animals to run. However the warm air sure is a gift!!!
Enjoy the sunshine today and appreciate our fortune with this good weather. The rest of the country is not so lucky as us!!!
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Post by SandyG on Jan 19, 2017 9:25:20 GMT -5
The Ole' Man was buried yesterday - on that spring-like day with an abundance of sunshine and white snow. NOW, we can finish the story of this horse that came to us for his end-of-life journey and who definitely left his mark on those who met him. Here are a few thoughts on The Ole' Man after today's final steps in his life's journey:
The original posting of January 3, 2017:
I went out to the barn this morning and hooked and fed the kids. Coming back into the house to give them time to eat and rest and to give me time to post the last bb, feed the cats, and then redress for heading back out to put extra blankets on a few of them before I opened the doors. The Ole’ Man had other ideas.
When I returned to the barn, The Ole’ Man was on the ground and calm as any horse I’ve ever seen. In fact, when I knelt next to him I looked to see that his ribs were moving to check for breathing. His eyes were closed and he was just asleep. No fighting, no feet flying, and not an ounce of tension anywhere. The only time he moved and became a bit restless was when I removed my hand and left his head and went to unhook a horse, answer the telephone, or greet Dr. Rande when she arrived. His source of comfort, it seemed, was the human hand on his head and a voice behind him talking to him and reassuring him that he was not alone. And that yes, it was a good day to die.
The American Indian used to say their good-byes, wander off and sit on a hill, and then say, “It is a good day to die.” The Ole’ Man gave me the exact same impression of his intentions today. He could have crossed very easily on Sunday morning or any time after that entire episode. But no – he chose when to cross and it as this morning, AFTER he had eaten his breakfast of the feed mix that he loved so much. It was then that he took that old body and laid it down on to the earth and said, “It is a good day to die.”
We are working hard to find resources to bury The Ole’ Man on the west hill so that Josephina and Faline may join him when their times come. He fell hard in love with Josephina and Faline is the right hip of Josephina, so a family was born. In a very short amount of time, that little family grew to know and depend upon each other and give each other a sense of calm and comfort. And so it is only right to keep them together, as a family, as they move on to their next lives.
He was cantankerous, stubborn, bull-headed, and almost dangerous in the beginning. But he grew on you very quickly. As I’ve said many times: The sicker they are, the weaker they are, the worse they are, and the more desperate they are – the harder you fall in love with them – more deeply and more intensely. So it was with The Ole’ Man. In just 75 days, this horse became one of us and earned his rightful place in spite of being so very weak and worn out. But the spirit in that horse remained strong throughout. And only when he gave his body his permission, did his spirit feel free to move on.
I am grateful to have known him, to have comforted him this morning, and to have witnessed his gentle release. Grateful for the experience and the lessons of The Ole' Man.
The Ole' Man Mustang gelding, 38 - 40+ years of age Arrived: October 17, 2016 Crossed: January 3, 2017
This January 18th Wednesday morning dawned very bright and surprisingly warm for the middle of January in Wisconsin. A much, much needed break from the frigid season we have been experiencing. And so it was appropriate that this day be the day that the final steps in the life of The Ole' Man be taken.
The man that was willing to help us with this task is a gruff man but truly with a sensitive heart. Talking with him mid-morning, he thought the weather was good today and that we should take advantage of this day since rain and more cold was invariably just around the corner. I agreed but was already at THE STORE so directions and location was given over the telephone. The man agreed to call me if he needed me and then he went about the job of loading his equipment for his trip to Refuge Farms.
Busying myself at THE STORE, I kept my phone in my pocket and waiting for the ring. It was almost 4pm before the ring came and sure enough, it was this man. The job was done. "How is he?" I asked. It takes a kind heart not to chuckle at a question like that but this man said just the right thing: "He looked like he was sleeping on a bed of fresh snow", he said. Our first meeting face-to-face will now be marked with me giving this man an enormous hug. This gruff man understands and truly has a tender heart.
Placed on the west hill in front of one of three trees, The Ole' Man is resting awaiting the arrival of his best girl, Josephina and her sister-by-choice, Faline. Before we hung up this morning, the man asked how I wanted him facing. As I smiled as his question, I asked that The Ole' Man be facing the highway so that when Josephina arrives, he will spend the time looking at his girl. His blind eyes could not see her in our barns but he knew where she was! And when she went out of his smelling zone he would call to her - as she simply walked away! Upon her return, he would smell the air and then begin eating hay - facing her without seeing her. The Ole' Man loved Josephina. So placing them each under the shade of their own tree but next to each other seems only the right thing to do.
I will place our Christmas wreath on The Ole' Man when I take some quiet time this Sunday to visit him. And then, in the spring, we will spread black dirt on him and plant an abundance of grass over him - the very grass that he would have loved to have been able to eat. And, of course, I will spend a bit of time with him telling him of the lessons he brought to us, the frustrations he brought to us, and the will of steel that left such a deep indentation in us.
This horse who was beyond old, beyond emaciated, and with legs fused into unbendable sticks, arrived a true force to be reckoned with. You see, he was blind, he was thin, he was ancient, and he could not eat hay or grass. But he had a will of steel. The Ole' Man ran over me, broke a new poly tank, tore a feeder off the wall, buckets off the wall, bucket holders off the wall, and literally tore the wall itself! He made deep holes in the barn and did his very best to remove the gates that kept him from his girl. When he first arrived, I considered him dangerous and then set about trying to understand him and give him the things that would help to calm him - food, water, blankets, hoods, legs wrapped in vet wrap for warmth, and yes, Josephina.
In a rather short amount of time, we became mutual friends. He liked his face scratched but did not like kisses. He liked his butt scratched under the layers of blankets - but not too hard because his skin was so thin and tender. And he loved his feed. Soon I realized that I could do the very best for this creature by keeping warm water next to him, a feed bucket that NEVER emptied, and companionship from horses - any horses. He and Billy became scratching friends - of all things! Spirit would kiss him through the gates. And Jeri-Ann would put her chin on his back until he was forced to move from the weight of her enormous head. Only Beauty stayed a good distance from the guy and The Ole' Man was okay with that. He liked the blondes.
So now, with the final steps on his journey completed, NOW we can close the chapter on The Ole' Man. A horse that arrived as starved as any I've seen but who had a will that would NOT bend. And when he laid so calmly on the ground that early January morning, that is how I knew he had chosen the day and time to cross. Not me and not anyone else had chosen when it was time to move out of that old, used up body. He chose it and was ready to move on over. When he rested his head in my lap and as I stroked his head, he told me thank you and please help me move on.
And so, on a spring-like day in January, The Ole' Man was carried up to the west hill and laid on a fresh bed of snow. "He looked like he was sleeping on a bed of fresh snow", as the gruff but tender hearted man said. With a bit of effort by this man with a big heart, we kept our Third Promise to The Ole' Man that he "was home. Even in death, we will keep you at THE FARM".
Amen, Old Man! In 75 days you made a deep impression on me and taught many lessons to those around you. I'm honored that we were a part of your life and so very honored to have you resting in our grounds. See you over the bridge!
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