We rescued my horse from a horse broker. The broker was selling a skiddish, sick and skinny horse for a outrageous price. Long story short.. We brought him home and eventually he warmed to us, gained some weight and lived a happily life with us for 10 years+. He was the greatest horse I have ever known. I learned to ride with him. If he felt a sudden weight shift, he would stop until I regained my balance. When he spooked, he only froze. I trusted him completely. At 15, I rode him alone and bareback with a only rope around his neck through the trails. He was a lesson horse for children 3-17 years old. He seemed to know who was on his back and would hardly move with a little one on him. I grew up with him and we made many of my happiest memories together. He was a kind and loving horse despite having a history of abuse.

When I was 16 my family was having financial problems. A lovely girl was taking lessons on him and looking for a horse to buy for herself. Her family was doing quite well and we thought that he could live the last years of his life at a wonderful boarding facility. Complete with hot water to wash the horses, an indoor area and a great staff. We knew the owner of the barn and we could guarantee that he would be treated well. We never wanted to let him go but we thought this could be a luxury retirement for him.

We sold him and he moved to the new barn. After 10 years with us, he rarely left the farm. He died 5 days after moving to the new barn from a heart issue caused by stress. He finally learned to trust humans and we sent him away.

The girl who bought him was close to my age. I say this so you know that I am not talking about a 6 year old girl.

I rushed to the barn when I heard he had died. I found her sobbing and clutching his head. I could only stare. She was inconsolable. Eventually, she calmed down and we walked her back to the barn. I thought I had my chance to say goodbye. When I went to his body, he was gone. Already loaded in the trailer. They used a fort lift and no one would want to see a horse after something like that.

I understand her pain but he was hers for 5 days. I grew up with him. It was our fault he died. I loved him. He was so special to me and it is hard to think about 7 years later. I wish I could have said goodbye and told him I am so so sorry.

---- sold my horse that I grew up with thinking he could have a nice retirement with a well off family. He was a rescue and he died soon after we sold him due to stress.