With a heavy heart I make this post. We were waiting until Ernies passing to display this image. A few weeks back, I got a message asking me to come and photograph Ernies last few days with us. He was a VERY loved and faithful lesson horse at PARDS. From the Staff: When Ernie first began working in the program, he was almost dismissed because he was too hot. However, it didnt take long for him to become one of the most reliable PARDS horses packing some of PARDS very large riders, riders that were nervous, teeny tiny children would take their first steps with him, or a rider looking for a thrill could take him out for a good run. He became a consistent riding partner, friend, and gentle soul that was always accepting of whomever needed him most at the time. As Ernie got older, he began to develop a few health issues, one of which were issues with his back and it was thought that it may best to retire him out to pasture and allow him to enjoy his days as a happy horse. However, in his first week of retirement, he became the most miserable horse you could have seen. Maybe the retired life wasnt for him, and he was happily welcomed back to the program by many past and new riders. Because of his giant heart, and willingness to work it was always said that Ernie would work in the PARDS program until his last days on this earth. Ernie has lived up to this legacy enjoying his very last days being ridden in lessons during PARDS Horse Camp, and participating in a training where he helped people learn trust and acceptance. Ernie was a horse that gave with his whole heart and nothing less, and this never changed until his very last breath.
Posted on: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 17:20:25 +0000