Our Beloved Jane 1982-9/24/08
I can't remember how old Jane was. I think 26. So many kids (and adults) in Santa Cruz learned to ride and care for horses with Jane.
She retired from her show career over 10 years ago, but every so often we let her go and pick up a few ribbons somewhere local. It's hard to believe she was once an elegant 3'6" hunter.
Her later years, you could park her out in an arena with a 5 year old on her back, never worry.
Or stick a couple 5 year olds up there. Send 'em on a walk around the property. We called her the Nanny.
I think Pixel was like 1 year old there. Couldn't talk yet, but could sit on Jane.
Can't find the words to tell you how much I'm going to miss her. I know she's somewhere better now, where she can walk and run and sit out in the pasture in the sun as long as she wants. Munching on grass. Kicking the wall. Laying her ears back and making the crabby face. Guys, Jane ran the show around our place. Kind of like a non benevolent cruise director. She had enough tricks in her book to make sure we did things the way she wanted.
Don't kick Timmy when you see him. He used to like to stand there and bark at you sometimes. He was never a great ranch dog. What a loss it is to lose a horse. Different than dogs, magestic animals, even in their old age. Thanks for so many years, my old friend.
A friend sent me this, and I emailed it out to all my friends and customers in a very sad email about Jane:
Wait. Don't read it yet. Go get a kleenex.
No. I'm serious. Go get one.
Don’t cry for the horses
Don’t cry for the horses that life has set free.
A million black horses forever to be.
Don’t cry for the horses now in God’s hand.
As they dance and they prance in a heavenly band.
They were ours as a gift, but never to keep.
As they close their eyes forever to sleep.
Their spirits unbound. On silver wings they fly.
A million black horses against the blue sky.
Look up into heaven, you’ll see them above.
The horses we lost, the horses we loved.
Manes and tails flowing, they gallop through time.
They were never yours, they were never mine.
Don’t cry for the horses. They’ll be back someday.
When our time is gone, they will show us the way.
Do you hear that soft nicker? Close to your ear?
Don’t cry for the horses. Love the ones that are here.
7 comments:
I'm so very sorry for your loss, Laura.
I wasn't ready for a cry this early in the morning. I've had horses but never had to put one down. I'm so sorry.
I learned to ride on a horse like that when I was a wee kid. So sad. Big hugs to you today.
Too many losses in too short a time. Hugs to you.
What a woderful mare. Horses like that really are a gift. Sounds like many others will miss her, too.
So sorry for the loss, but thrilled that this mare had such a great life. With so many older horses ending up at auction, it is inspiring to hear about a mare that not only enjoyed her last years, but taught so many young kids the joy of being around horses. Keep smiling Laura,I'm sending you good thoughts.
Thanks everyone. Has been a hard week.
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