Project 365 Day 193: Old Friend

Old Friend

Canon 5D Mark ll, 24-70 2.8L, 3.2 aperture, 62mm focal length, 1/40 shutter, 1250 ISO

This is Sam. I have only owned him for a short time, but I have known him much longer than that. He once belonged to my very dear friend, RM, and was given to me by RM ‘s wife when he passed away, four years ago.  RM was like a second daddy to me. I miss him so deeply. When I go out to ride, sometimes I will just talk to him. I tell him I miss him and wish he were with me on my ride that day. He was such a unique and wonderful person. He had a way of making everyone feel valuable and loved. He did that for me. He would take me riding and talk to me the whole time, encouraging me. I don’t think he was afraid of anything. He used to cut trails on his horse, carrying a chain saw as he rode. I admired and loved him very much. When I met him, almost  15 years ago, he was riding Sam, or Sammy as I call him.

Now Sammy lives with me, and I am so grateful. He is an old man now, 26 to be exact. In horse years, that is getting up there. He is an American Saddlebred, and his proper title is Raven’s Flashing Fancy. I don’t think he wants anyone to know that. His face now shows his age, and his hind quarters are beginning to lose their youthful shape. He has trouble eating because his teeth are worn down, and he gets ornery from time to time. But, he carries an air of gentleness and dignity that is so soothing and sweet. I respect him.  Like an older person, he has been around the block a few times, and I see the wisdom in his eyes. I always try to speak gently to him. When he acts crotchety, I often ask him if RM would approve of his behavior. I think he believes he would, and that makes me laugh. Yes, he probably would. He, also having lived a lot of years, knew what it was like to just feel tired.

Guilty

Yesterday this old man got out of the pasture and into the barn. I am not sure if he was trying to escape the heat or get into the bag of oats, but he did both. He ate nearly 3/4 of the bag. (What he could chew.) Therefore, today, he is not feeling so well. Instead of being frustrated with him, I felt compassion for him. He is old, he is tired, and now his feet hurt, which is what sometimes happens when a horse gets into too much feed. It is called laminitis or founder. I put soft shavings in a stall, added a fan and fresh water and brought him in. He seemed to be grateful.

Gentle One

I know my time with Sammy is limited. I can feel it. It hurts to think about losing him. I have lost three horses before him. It is very painful lose any friend, but losing a horse friend leaves an impression I cannot describe. I have had whole conversations with my horses without ever saying a word. They are one of the most intuitive creatures on earth. They know so much about matters of the heart. I wouldn’t trade the time I have had with him to forego that pain, however. It will be all right. I feel like loving and taking care of him has been a continuation of my friendship with RM. Therefore, it is an honor to care for Sam, as he is aging and in need of a gentle hand and voice.

Not Feeling Well

Here is a photo of Sammy modeling last fall with one of my favorite couples. Isn’t he handsome?  Ashleigh and Jason are pretty stunning as well!

Born to Model

Here’s to as much time the Lord gives me with my Sammy. I look forward to riding with RM again on the beaches of paradise. What a ride that will be!

Proverbs 12:10 ~ “The righteous care for the needs of their animals-“