Monday, February 7, 2011

Mr Cowboy

Cowboy left today, off to begin his training in Aiken. He didn't want to leave. It took almost 2 hours to get him in the trailer. He was a good boy, but he was stubborn. We talked a lot. He was born here, with a bumpy start. I loved him the minute I saw him, but he wasn't breathing. I did CPR and he came to life before my eyes. I called him Mister. He couldn't walk for 3 days. My husband Mark and I stayed with him the entire time, getting him up to strengthen his muscles, milking his mare, feeding him, giving him fluids, we worked really hard. The whole time, he was so sweet. On the 4th day, he was better. He was standing up all by himself when we looked in the stall. It was so exciting to see him walk and nurse and play. The first time he went outside, he walked like a drunken sailor, but he was walking. The first day in the sun, he got stronger, over the next 2 days he improved immensly. Life was good. His owner took him and his mare to Ky when he was 3 weeks old. I didn't get to see him until he was 8 months old, when his owner called and said I could have him if I wanted him. We went and picked him up that day. The rest is history, He's grown into this gorgeous 2 yr old chestnut stallion, he looks just like his sire Stonesider, and his grand sire Giant's Causeway. He's been playing the whole time with his friend Moonshadow Gold and his jolly ball and road cone. Eating a lot of carrots. He's healthy and strong. He has 25 partners in his racing career. We're all hoping and praying for the best, like all horse owners, dreaming of our horse being "The One". Cowboy has been fun and this new chapter will be exciting, wondering where it will lead. It makes me think of all our Old Friends here and in Kentucky. They were all somebodys dream horse. I love the mission of Old Friends, dignified retirement. All horses deserve that.