...

Most of us have fond memories of our first rides. The first one I was on... she was an arabian, but I don't recall her name anymore. She was old when I first climbed up on her, and I was told she had cancer, melanoma or something. But she wasn't in any pain and could still take care of my little butt. 😝 I also remember, she turned to the right at barely a walk and off I tumbled!😅

She's long gone too.

And the second little horse I rode. She had an accident in the pasture and also had to, well, you know. Both were over 25 when I was put on their backs. And they took care of me just like anybody could ever hope a horse to do.

Third horse I was ever on... he's gone as well. He was 21 when I first started riding him, and took him to shows.

Fourth horse, I was paired with him the longest. But I think he's likely gone as well. If he isn't, he'd be in his thirties now.

It's not fun, seeing them reach their ends. But what they do for us, opens our worlds to a whole new place of possibilities. Try to remember him fondly and likely, each time you mount up hereon, you'll remember that stallion. He taught you how to ride. He taught you how to connect with a horse. And he taught you how to open your heart.

Do you think you can pay that back with future horses? Such a legacy as his, includes you as well. You owe him a lot (as we all do, to those first horses), but the horses in your future, will likely owe him more, after all, without him, they wouldn't have you.😊

If you were to ask me about your debt to him, I'd say that I think it'll be easy to repay him. Because you remember him fondly and well and are passing that onward to the future. You're passing his knowledge to new horses.☺️ And that's probably the best thing we can do for any horse we ride.

I don't know if that helps at all, but we all grieve in our own ways. Find your way.

This is the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me 🥺 Most of my family don't really get it.. They arent close to horses, well, not as much as me anyway 😅 Don't mind me while I ugly cry over this 🤧 xx I'll be sending you a little thank you gift, you really made today much easier to handle 💜

Appreciate the gift. I know that you know it wasn't necessary.😊

Go do your ugly cry. It doesn't mean that they're gone from us, it only means that we'll be missing seeing and interacting with them for awhile.

Yeah... but why is it such an ugly thing? One would think that such a deep-felt emotion, that it would be beautiful to let loose. Ah-well... I suppose it's just a reminder that the reason for that emotion is something we hope nobody ever really goes through. And we all will, at some point and usually multiple times.

A cup of cocoa might also help. I like mine with half goat milk and water. Makes it richer (and easier on the stomach).

And... maybe a carrot as an accompaniment. Because what horse doesn't like a carrot? 😋

NuBar was beautiful - thank you for sharing your story with him and his pictures. Love that first one, he had a sweet expression there.  I'm glad you have some wonderful memories of him, they will help you navigate through the grief.  Animals are such amazing companions and inspirations, but it is sure hard when we lose them. <3

@BlackOak You're literally a blessing! 💜

@Snowfalls Thank you xx He was the sweetest stallion 🥺 You could easily mistake him for a gelding, that's just how sweet he was 🤧

💜

I think the first horse we ride sticks with us forever. NuBar sounds like a sweetheart who anyone would have been lucky to meet. Even gone from this world I have a feeling he is still with you. He is not gone, he is in your memories and heart, and the ones of everyone he met. I've been where you are and this is a wound that will never completely heal. I first want to say thank you for sharing such a sad thing. I hope you know that even when the world seems turned against you, you have people(And animals) looking out for you. I think it's summed up pretty well in this quote that I could not find who said "When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure." NuBar is a treasure and he will be remembered as such. If your family doesn't understand who cares? You are not alone and I know even though I never met him, hearing his story is something I will carry on. He is not lost, He is a memory, and a Memory is a treasure.🐎

That is so sad to hear, and yes you will get through it but it will take a long time and that is 100% ok, that is that the hard part of having animals is when we no longer have them them ,we tell dogs to shut up but then thay are gone and we say " I'll never tell my next animal to shut up!" but we do, and the cycle happeds again over and over , sorry I have to rap up, but love animals while you have them. And I'm so sorry for your loss.😥 Edit: I was reading all of this post again and Black oak you are such a gift, you should look in to being a shrink, you could help sooo many people, It depends what state you live in, but I would go🙂🚗 everyone else your words are lovely❤️

What a beautiful tribute <3  Losing horses (or any animal) is never easy.  They touch our souls in many ways and heal us in ways unknown.  Cherish your memories and he will live forever.

I'm so sorry! Even as an 11 year old, I still remember touching a horse for the first time when I was 4.  His name was Teddy, and the sweet boy was 25. He's long gone, too. Animals are so amazing! It makes you wonder how one of those animals can literally change your life. I love the pics! Heavenly NuBar is beautiful!