05/29/2024
Diamond Air Dandy, known as D'Man or D to those who loved him, was laid to rest today. After being retired from lessons for two years, his arthritis had gotten the better of him; it was time for him to be pain free. He was just shy of his 28th birthday. D'Man was loved by so many, and he touched the life of everyone who met him. He was the cornerstone of my lesson program for many years. D was the perfect lesson horse. He could take the best care of the newest riders and challenge the more experienced ones. He did everything from roping in his early days, to pleasure, barrels, driving, ranch, trail, medieval games, and even a touch of hunt seat when Hershey had an allergic reaction to his fly spray mid show. D'Man would take whatever shenanigans we threw at him in stride.
I would like to encourage anyone with pictures or stories to share them in the comments. The pictures I've included are in no particular order, but range from yesterday to his earlier years and show just a glimpse of his amazing personality.
I am a lesson horse.
I am a horse that isn’t as recognized as the top hunter jumpers, the best western pleasure horse, or the 1D barrel horse, I am a lesson horse.
I am the backbone of the foundation to do all of those things. I am a lesson horse.
I am not loved by one person. I am loved by several people. I don’t have my person, I have my people. I am a lesson horse.
I will teach your child and yourself more than just to ride. I will bring your child out of their shell. I will teach your child about life. I will be yours and their shoulder to cry on. I am a lesson horse.
I will bring my family the joy of teaching kids. I will bring my families business growth. I am so loved by my family, even if they don’t express it everyday. My family allows others to show me love and enjoy me. I am a lesson horse.
At the end of your childs’ journey on a lesson horse, they will out grow me. They will find one that jumps higher, a horse that is show quality, a horse much faster than me. But, I will never outgrow being a lesson horse. I will be the one that loved your child and helped your child grow into the rider and person they are. I am a lesson horse.
At the end of my time as a lesson horse; I will be covered in grey hair. Each grey hair came from each hour I spent as a lesson horse. I will be in a field of green grass, I will be taken care of as I was when I was a lesson horse. I will watch your child from across the pasture love her new horse. But, I will love your child more than any horse can. I will be the backbone of the business, the family, and your child. Don’t forget about me, I am a lesson horse.
