02/11/2020
This dear, sweet lady was put down today. I met her 6 years ago, but didn’t take her when I first saw her. It was a year later when her owner called me up and said she wanted to give Duchess to me. The next day or so, baby Grady, my husband, and I went to get her. She had a sweet soul except when it came to trimming her hooves and boy was she a challenge. In time and three farriers later, she came around. At least it didn’t take two hours for a trim!
I was really unsure of her age and education, but I knew she would work for vaulting when she took to lunging the first time and just her quietness and patience with kids. That was most important. She took such care of her little vaulters. She was the best for snuggling into her and saying whatever needed to be let out or just to be quiet with. She made your troubles seem small and love bigger.
Dear friend, I could not have asked for a better shoulder to lean on or partner to start this vaulting program with. You came to me in God’s perfect timing and I believe you left this earth at the right time. I will never forget being with you under the stars late into last night. I know you left in peace. You leave me with a burning passion to treat the horses in my care with integrity by recognizing horses are all are beings, not machines to do my bidding. I will work harder to understand their fascinating and deep world in order to build the best possible relationship and give the best education that will benefit their mind, body, and spirit.
Duchess, it was a blessing to be your human.
