Little Horses name is Trigger.
I have had Trigger for going on 4 years now.
I got him when he was past his prime but we connected on some weird level.
I had not found that horse that would put up with my shenanigans in getting comfortable in the saddle. My hips are shot. I need hip replacement but I will fight tooth and nail before getting that done because it could be quite possible I may not be able to ride any more. I take pain meds when needed – visit my physio guy for really shitty and painful acupuncture – which really works I might add to limp me through.
When Trigger came into my life – I knew his days with me were numbered. He was old and arthritic but we were just a perfect match. Both in pain – both grumpy.
A horse owner is lucky in their life to connect and bond with their mount. I have ridden many many many horses and I have bonded with but one in 1979 when I joined 4H because my Mom needed me to do something that would take me away from not being able to fit in with peers.
His name was Tashuwa Blue. He was a 19ish Quarter/Clyde Draft. I loved him so much. I would sleep in his stall and we would talk for hours. Sadly he had to put be put down a year into 4H and my heart broke. The kind people who became my second family broke the news to me gently and gave me a carnation that had a pin in it that had a fake pearl on the tip. I still have that pin.
Another mount came into my life who introduced me to the wonderful world of jumping and cross country. Her name was Velvet. She was a lease and on her I could FLY!!! While I did not bond with her the way I did with Blue – I remember her fondly for teaching me the lovely discipline of perfect synergy and trust between horse and rider.
I left her – to stupidly get married way to young and forfeit my riding. Idiot!! Ended in divorce BUT I have two beautiful children, a loving man and the life I have always dreamed of.
Trigger’s days are sadly numbered based on our vet visit this past week.
I may sound matter of fact but trust me – I am not.
Trigger will be with me for the summer – he will be brushed, ridden lightly and loved greatly in his last days.
We will make a photo album of his final days and when the times comes we will part ways.
While I could keep him medicated and drag him through another winter I am sure – I have too much respect for him to do that. He has lost weight – he is going blind and he has heaves (horse asthma).
Trigger and I made a pact- when the time came – we would both know.
Now I know and I think he knows too.
Orange Acres 