HORSES AND HEALING
Howdy Friends! A story unfolds. As you know our dear Miss Rosie died last Friday. A terrible shock. Our Pastor and many from our church came on Friday and Saturday to comfort us. As God would have it, our dear friends Larry and Kathy were here for a visit and helped so much. Sunday I could barely go to church. I went, but wasn’t there.
Sunday night Pastor had us come to their house for a visit. That night, among many other things, he told me, “You are the only one in the church who doesn’t think you need another horse right now.” He told me several members are donating to purchase a horse. I said I’m done now with horses, I’m old.
Rosie had recently begun to teach what I call, “Equineology,” to a young girl in church. Sunday night Pastor reminded me of that. And how important that was to her. He reminded me I’d started a youth program for at-risk kids. Pastor said there are many young ones in our church who would benefit from working with me and a horse. He told me, “You have a gift. When God gives you a gift, it is a sin not to use it.” I went home feeling a little better, but far from okay.
Monday morning Robbie found out about a 17 year old TWH gelding for sale. We made plans to go have a look. Later, talking about it I said, “But I’m a mare guy.” Not too excited about looking at him.
While by God’s providence and timing, my phone rang at that very instant. It was my vet. The vet who had been with me every step of the way with Rosie. The vet who on Rosie’s last day wept with us. And on that day she said, “I remember telling you this horse will never be ridden. What you did for her is amazing.”
She called me Monday night, exactly after I said to Robbie, “But I’m a mare guy.” She said, “I have a client who must rehome a mare. She’s blind in one eye, underweight, has a little breathing issue, and has Lepto. She needs you and I told him that.” At that very instant, the deepest pain of losing Rosie softened. I truly believe I could feel God’s comfort and direction. I still immensely missed Rosie, but the bitterness washed away.
“I need to rebuild this horse,” I thought, sight unseen.
As I pondered the owner called me. Now the shape of the horse rests only partly with him. He travels for months, and had two years ago placed the mare at a “Full board,” facility. Obviously she was not receiving the best care. There’s more to that story, but it don’t matter. What matters is the horse.
Tuesday, August 20, Robbie and I went to meet, Lizzy. Even in her want of TLC, she was beautiful. And affectionate. And we brought her home. And set about fixing her up. She was pretty anxious, and I slept with her in the barn Tuesday night.
Wednesday I trimmed her feet. Took about three inches off. Totally changed her stance, movement and posture. Started her new diet. And today started her meds for Lepto.
Standing correct now! Totally rebuilt her posture and movement.
She’s also getting Dr Thomas’ herbs, “Total Immune Health,” and “Respiratory Distress.” Please Visit www.forloveofthehorse.com to learn how they heal.
It’ll be a while of fixin’ up this cute mare. But she’s willing. And we’ll do it. And from time to time, I’ll bring all you friends along on the adventure.
Lizzy’s first look at her new playground.
Lizzy is a 17 year old Kentucky Mountain Horse. She’s affectionate, aware, and thoughtful. It’ll be some time before I ride her. But that isn’t important. Weight to gain, lungs to clear, Lepto to defeat, posture to correct. And a bunch of groundwork to perfect communication and body carriage. That’ll give ol’ Larry Wilson plenty of time to reshape Rosie’s saddle tree to fit perfect. Rosie is the fourth horse Larry refit that saddle to over the years.
God knew the direction He charted for Lizzy and me. And by golly we’ll both do our best. ~ Gitty Up, Dutch.
