A Home At Last story: This one, this story, is about Jack, my old police horse. Jack was a Quarterhorse/Standardbred cross. He was a Coppery Sorrel and I mean shiny as a penny. Stood at 16 hands, substantial and yet refined. He knew more than any horse Ive ever known. It was important when riding him to really pay attention to what you were about because he would respond to the very slightest of cues. His capacity to work on both front and hind feet amazed me. Sidepass, while backing up, not an issue. Full obliques, not a problem. Move directly to the side, in either direction from a standstill or underway, absolutely. He would easily go from working on his fronts to working in the opposite direction off his hinds. I knew every moment that I was on him that I was not as capable as a rider as he was as a horse. Jack had suffered a horrible injury while on a search and rescue mission. A bad fall had resulted in a severe cut to his knee, which went into the capsule of the joint. Euthanasia was a very real possibility. Retirement was a certainty. It took almost a year for Jacks knee to heal up. There was some scarring, but not as bad as youd think. He was a little stiff, but very able to do light work. As Jack aged, he got low in the soles and eventually had to have shoes and pads to keep him comfortable. The last five or six years of his life, I didnt ride him anymore. I just loved on him and groomed him and spent time with him. Im pretty thoughtful about the kind of tack I use and I really prefer to put nothing in a critters mouth. I like bitless bridles or bosals. Jack liked his futurity bit. It was what he preferred to carry. Hed work with anything, but that was his bit. He liked the roller in it. I dont think I ever took the slack out of the reins, but he sure let me know his preference and I honored that. I still have that bit and headstall. It hangs in the barn and I have to admit to stopping and holding it and thinking about Jack. When his time came, he was very old, in his middle 30s. He went quietly and peacefully. Partnering with a horse like Jack is one of lifes greatest privileges. These immensely powerful, quick, fast, and intelligent creatures are willing to accept our kind and to work with us. Ive always found that to be completely amazing. I miss Jack. I think of him often. I think of him showing me just one more thing he could do without muss or fuss and making me feel just as incompetent as I was. He may have been the greatest horse Ive known. I loved him a lot. Jim
Posted on: Mon, 28 Apr 2014 12:13:34 +0000
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