A good day.

[FlashGordon]

It has been a long few weeks with my boy not feeling very good, and me doing a lot of worrying. He's just been NQR since the beginning of summer, and it was around that time that I decided to retire him completely. It is certainly the right decision, but a little bittersweet nonetheless.

Today I was at the barn early and walked out to the pasture to check on him. I saw his head pop up and he watched me and I thought... oh no... the chase begins. He's the type that will let you get 10 feet away and then just start walking. He's easier to catch when he's on his own but if he gets the herd running it can be tough!

But to my surprised, when I called his name, he trotted all the way over and then followed me back down to the gate.

Perhaps not a big deal to most, but for a horse who typically avoids being caught at all costs, and who, while polite, gives me (and everyone) the hairy eyeball about 90% of the time... well I nearly cried!

Funny how just little moments like that can remind you why you do this, despite the tears and the heartache.

[SarahandSam]

Yay you and Win! Glad he's clearly feeling better...

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

Yay you and Win! Glad he's clearly feeling better...

ditto!

[Brooklyn Born]

Awww-glad you had a great moment. And I truly understand those tiny things that keep us going with our horses. Your horse truly loves you!!! What a lucky boy to have a mom who cares so much as you do. Thanks for sharing.

[FlashGordon]

Thanks guys!

Turns out we needed that good moment... today started out not so hot and looks like Mr. Win is heading into the clinic in the near future to be scoped for bladder stones. Poor old dude. Hopefully we find everything to be clean and normal.

It is the first horse with which I've had a strictly non-riding relationship. It has been kind of eye opening in some ways. There is never anything that needs to be accomplished, very little pressure, it is nice. I think he enjoys it too, after a lifetime of being worked very hard.

[Lori B]

FG -- Sorry about the potential bladder stones. Win continues to be the horse owner lottery grand prize winner. "Hi, I'm a grumpy injured ex-schoolie TB gelding with awful feet. What are my chances of finding a nice retirement home with someone knowledgeable and patient who I never even packed around a 2'6" course?" Survey says: chances are very slim indeed.

Horse Karma owes you a rock star ride, when you are ready to focus on riding again. A seriously rock star ride. In that wonderful mythical future, where you come down to MD to see Katy and I plop around a schooling show, we will have to scare you up a nice ride or two. :-)

[FlashGordon]

FG -- Sorry about the potential bladder stones. Win continues to be the horse owner lottery grand prize winner. "Hi, I'm a grumpy injured ex-schoolie TB gelding with awful feet. What are my chances of finding a nice retirement home with someone knowledgeable and patient who I never even packed around a 2'6" course?" Survey says: chances are very slim indeed.

Horse Karma owes you a rock star ride, when you are ready to focus on riding again. A seriously rock star ride. In that wonderful mythical future, where you come down to MD to see Katy and I plop around a schooling show, we will have to scare you up a nice ride or two. :-)

Lori you crack me up.

Riding.... what is that?

The worst part about all this is I really thought his feet were going to be the end of him last year when I got him. But no, the universe had to let me get attached to him for a year, and then throw some crazy bladder/urinary issues into the mix just for fun.

The horse gods enjoy laughing at me, apparently. :confused: All I have to say, if this doesn't kill me, the next horse will be under 15. And insurable. ;)

And lady that future is not so mythical... 2010 is going to be a good year for both of us. It has to be! I can't wait to come cheer you on at that schooling show....

I will admit... as painful as my horsey involvement has been as of late, I was blessed to have Dan, briefly. I was blessed to have Win, who helped me grieve. And I've met many kind people who have offered both support and encouragement the last year. If Win had ever made it back to the show ring, it was going to be under the moniker "My Silver Lining"..... and so I try to find that every day....