October 27, 2011. I lost my horse to cancer. Wilbur was my first horse, and I was heartbroken. At first, I didn't want another horse. I felt like I would be a traitor to love another horse. The chestnut gelding had stolen my heart from the second I had laid eyes upon him. One of the following weeks I had went to one of my family member's barns and had ridden a Tennessee Walker. I think being in the saddle reminded me how much I absolutely needed another horse to love, to be mine. The week after riding that horse, I returned to the barn. The barn where we had kept Wilbur, where I had spent months riding him. Instead of mounting my friendly chestnut, I rode the sweet Trigger, a Paint I had met before.
On November 16, after I got home from school I was met with the news that we would be going to look at a potential horse to buy. Of course, I was excited to go. When I climbed out of the truck my eyes scanned over him, noticing immediately his coat pattern and the way he didn't seem scared of much. The way his ears flicked around to listen to the new sounds, his eyes shining bright with curiosity. After laying eyes on the gorgeous Paint gelding I knew that he was the horse for me. One thing stood in the way.
I had to ride him first.
Unfortunately, it had rained most of that Wednesday, so we scheduled to come ride Saturday. Those next few days seemed to drag by, my dreams filled with chestnut and white spots.
November 19. The day I had longed for anxiously. A smile couldn't stay off my lips as I placed my foot in the stirrup, pulling myself on top of Poncho's back. The familiar feeling of riding a 15hh horse came over me as I went around the circular pattern. I could tell that the horse preferred trail riding and open spaces over circular enclosed arenas. Just like me. He was a bit reluctant to the new area of the ring, but he took careful steps, obeying each command. With one ear up and the other twitching back, he listened to the reassuring whispers I gave him.
I had found my horse.
About an hour later I was grooming Poncho at the place where we kept Wilbur. I smiled as I mounted up, spending about 2 1/2 hours riding my new horse. His trot has a special bounce to it and his canter has an extra burst of speed at the beginning. I love Poncho. We honestly have something, a strong bond just waiting to be made. Someone told me 'You two look like you've been together forever!'. I'm looking forward to everything I'm going to do with the seven year old gelding. It's definitely different going from an over twenty year old horse to a seven year old, but I love the difference. It's the end of my journey with Wilbur, but the beginning of my journey with Poncho.
I'm so sorry for your loss of Wilbur.
However, congratulations on finding Poncho! It sounds like you've found a great match for you. I hope your time with him is long and happy!
I'm so sorry for your loss of Wilbur.
However, congratulations on finding Poncho! It sounds like you've found a great match for you. I hope your time with him is long and happy!
Very sad and depressing story :/ Idk what I would do if my wonderful horse died :( and the young mare i have now is a potential for skin cancer so I might know exactly how you felt when your faithful friend died :'(
Very sad and depressing story :/ Idk what I would do if my wonderful horse died :( and the young mare i have now is a potential for skin cancer so I might know exactly how you felt when your faithful friend died :'(
awwwww i am so srry for Wilbur but i am so happy that you have found a new horse to take care of and luv!!! Hope you have a great time riding poncho as much fun as Wilbur!!!:)
awwwww i am so srry for Wilbur but i am so happy that you have found a new horse to take care of and luv!!! Hope you have a great time riding poncho as much fun as Wilbur!!!:)
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