He is in a beautiful place and he will get a chance to do what he loves, ride around familiar areas on his own. Honestly that always seemed to be his favorite thing to do.
I shed more than a few tears, but tonight I feel pretty good. I knew the moment I arrived to take him, when he was standing alone in his paddock and everyone else was grazing that somehow he was ready to leave this place. He bounded into the trailer. I gave his new owner his lead rope so she could lead him to his new paddock. We brought a little cedar tree from the barn (their request, so he could have a bit of homeinhis new place ) .
Later, when I came back I went to see Lily. She came up to me, dropped her head in her riding halter. I hopped on bareback and we went for a ride.
This is what I have been looking for. Sometimes it's a long journey that brings you back home.
This is wonderful. You never have to forgive yourself for doing the right thing.
ReplyDeleteRide on.
Bill
Glad you made it there. Sometimes doing the right thing isn't easy, but when you get there it's a relief.
ReplyDeleteBill said it wonderfully. Enjoy Lily - heal yourself, heal your family.
ReplyDeleteI'm really happy for you. It sounds like you made the right choice all around--and you can feel it. Enjoy your mare. It will be fun to get updates about Smokey.
ReplyDeleteI have parted with plenty of horses, and I'll never forget the look I got from a couple of them- I call it the faraway look- the ones that were ready to move on.
ReplyDeleteI hope you and Lily have many joyful and heartwarming journeys together, and that Smokey and his new people have a wonderful life together.
It's been a long and tenuous trip for you, but it sounds like you are in a good place. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteWisdom. Well done. Dan
ReplyDeleteI am just getting caught up on reading blogs and I was surprised to read that Smokey has a new home. As tough as it is, you did right by him by finding him the right person. Best wishes for many great rides on Lily.
ReplyDeleteLovely ending. Here's to many happy trails for you and Lilly.
ReplyDeleteSo long, Smokey, keep in touch. Hello, sweet Lily.
ReplyDeleteThis post brought tears to my eyes. I'm glad he's in such a great place where he will be happy and I'm glad you have the awesome Lily and can be happy with riding again.
ReplyDeleteYour post bought tears to my eyes - I am sure Smokey will be very happy at his new home - you did the RIGHT thing. Wishing you many wonderful times with Lily.
ReplyDeleteJust traveled your road. And from what I read in your Post, just like me, you know you did the right thing...
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good decision. I had to sell a horse once where it felt like a defeat, but when I got another horse who fit my riding style, I knew I'd made the right choice. Riding should be fun.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad Smokey got a good home. It sounds like he will really like it there. Sometimes the right thing is the hardest to do but I'm sure you made the right decision for you and Smokey.
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling that you and Lily are going to have many great rides and loads of fun together. Enjoy life.
Oh, that is sad, in a way, but like others have said, Smokey now has a wonderful owner who will take care of him and be able to train and enjoy him. He'll be happy and you'll be able to enjoy riding Lily. Sometimes life changes on us and we have to make changes. With Smokey, it means someone else gets to love him and that's not a bad thing.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you didn't make this decision lightly and it sounds like he has a great home. You did the right thing.
ReplyDeleteI'm sad we won't see Smoke again. He was a sweetie, but I know he'll be happy, and you'll have your pretty Lily, who's going to love having you all to herself.
ReplyDeletexo