Thursday, April 12 at 215pm my bodyguard left this earth. There is an old saying that great horses are knights reincarnated and if there ever was a great horse he was one. For those of you who haven't experienced a relationship with a horse you will have no idea what I am talking about so the best way I can describe it to you is this, he challenged me, loved me, fought with me, played with me, bled for me, worked for me, gave his entire heart for me, and I did the same. We were in all definitions partners. 8 years ago he was diagnosed with COPD and with monitoring it was under control, two weeks ago the disease started taking its toll and steriods, antibiotics and antihystamines did no good. On our walk in from the pasture to get his daily med dose he had a seizure and died with his head in my hand he took his last breath. He had been my horse for 14 years, a member of my family and my friend.
I wrote the following poem years ago while grooming him late one night after a summer workout. It was and is the sum of all that he means to me.
Oh my ancient steed,
Of ancient time and place,
Who in a daisied meadow,
Was born of strength and grace.
Oh my ancient steed,
Of ancient time and place,
Whose eyes are full of wonder,
Whose beating steps shake earth
Resembling the sound of thunder,.
And oh my ancient steed,
Of ancient time and place,
Whose eyes are full of wisdom,
~Whose face is full of grace.
Amazing it is to me,
That a beast so strong and true,
Would choose to be my confidante,
My guardian pure and true.
And oh my ancient steed,
Of ancient time and place,
When the lightning leaves your footsteps,
And the wind won't kiss your face,
Know this my ancient steed,
When you must leave this place;
My heart will be your home,
Where I carry memories of your face.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
He was an amazing beast and he will be missed by many. I love you Bodyguard.
