Dear Show Me,
Happy Birthday! Today you are 24 years old, but you sure don’t look (or act) your age! You look so good — so fit — that no one would ever guess your real age. Even the vet seemed amazed when she saw you last week, yet somehow I think Jill always knew you were an amazing horse!
You had an extremely rough year last year… first lame on a front leg, only to get better and go lame on a rear foot. Then, that damn copperhead bit you on your “good” rear leg and really gave us a scare. Could you pull through something that traumatic? Well, yes, you can! And you did pull through with an amazing show of heart, character and a will to live. Soon enough, you told Jill that you were bored with all this R&R and wanted to go out and stretch your legs a bit!
A year later and you’ve already put on muscle and toned up. After a winter of being ridden in an indoor, this spring you’re fit and ready to hit the trails! Anyone who saw you last year with your severely swollen hind leg, soaking it in a garbage can of cold water, would hardly believe that you’re the same horse. Jill and I will often look at each other as if to say, “Can you believe it? Can you believe him?” But we do know you, and so we do believe. You’re a very special horse.
You are smart, honest and sweet. You can also be quite full of yourself! When we’re riding along the edge of a field or on a trail through the woods, you live for those moments where I’ll let you stretch out and run, like you used to on the track. You think that the best way to get up a hill is to canter up it, but that it’s always safest to walk down the other side.
I’m so lucky to have been able to ride you these past four years. Thank you for reminding me how fun it can be to splash in the river, to canter past fields of corn and wheat, and to simply enjoy the sun and the breeze on a beautiful day. You’ve taught me a great deal about being a good rider, but more than that you’ve brought the joy of horses back into my life.
Happy 24th Birthday, Show Me!
I hope that you will continue to set the example for us all on how to live — and love — life for many years to come!
Love, Jen
—–Original Message—–
From: Jill
Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 13:29
To: Jennifer; Greg
Subject: RE: Birthday Wishes
Jen,
How sweet! Thank you very much for all the kind words you said about my guy Show Me. Truly without any regrets he’s been the challenge, adventure, joy & love of my life for almost 15 yrs now. My, how time flies when your riding for fun!!
Love,
Jill
Jen,
You are so sweet. What a great tribute to such a wonderful animal and friend.
I look forward to sharing stories with you as I begin my horse adventure. Chance (the horse on my blog) is an Black/Bay Oldenburg. Not sure of his age, guessing 8 or 9.
Hope you are well. Can’t wait to see you again in September and visit MD for the first time. Woo Hoo!!
Hugs!
Jenn