Farewell old friend. Not exactly a pet, but…
RED
In my time as an active horseman, I owned 4 of these amazing animals.
When I decided to exit the hobby, I searched for suitable homes that would see to the finest available love and care for life.
Red was my favorite and the last to go.
He was without exception the best trail horse I had ever ridden.
I don’t know how old he was or much about his his breeding or origins.
He had a unique brand on his left hind that I could not get any info on.
It was said that he was foaled in Kentucky and kept intact for stud possibity.
When I first encountered him he was far too easily excited and prone to react quickly.
I rode him many times before he was sold to me and his abilities were incredible.
His gait was smooth and automatically changed leads at speed. He loved to run but learned to settle calmly after the fun.
He helped train many many horses in trail riding by companion riding.
There were few things that scared him, and would readily do many difficult things I would ask of him.
He taught my children to ride and always was always safe for any rider regardless of how inexperienced they were.
I could have sold him for many thousands of dollars but chose to give him away to a dear woman and her daughter who my wife met at work.
Just this past Christmas my wife was given a keychain with a lock from his mane. As soon as I saw it, I knew it was him. (I untangled it enough times)
I do not have the details but my wife’s co-worker sent word that he had passed on to Paint Horse Heaven from suspected heart failure.
May your pastures be green and lush my friend. Thank you for the great times and taking care of me when I was too stupid to know better.
You will never be forgotten.