The biggest reason that I decided not to get another horse, however, is tied to that getting older thing. I am so afraid that any young Thoroughbred that I got would outlive me, or outlive the time when I am still a thinking person, since senile dementia runs in my family. I just don't want to leave any of my animals in a position of falling onto bad times. I have a friend who will take my cats, but assuming responsibility for a horse, especially one who is likely to be older, is a huge task.
That being said, there are times when my resolve is sorely tested. I'm going through one of those times right now. His name is Boggy Creek Dancer, he is 16.3 and eight years old. Isn't he beautiful?
He's a bit on the rawboned side, but he has been running for years, and is still sound, so you can be pretty sure that he will stay sound. He's big and strong enough to handle my weight. In person, he has incredible presence. But, I'm going to hold to my resolution. Surely someone will snap him up quickly, anyways. I hope!
13 comments:
Thanks for visiting my blog, Louise. I'm glad I found your blog, and all the beautiful photos of the lush vegetation.
I have exactly the same worry over my animals out living me, and what would happen to them. I've tried to provide for that, but still I worry. On the plus side of ageing, I love being retired!
Louise, he's beautiful! I can understand your dancing around, even the idea, of having him! I also understand your reasons not to. This getting older thing is so much worse than I thought it could be. I have so many physical problems, I honestly thought I would be gone by now, or a stroke would have turned me into a veggie. It still can, but with my family history, I didn't think I would ever be looking at 65, which is closing in fast. I worry about Jack, he so depends on me, Jill on the other hand - loves most everybody and she would adapt well - if she ever stops digging things up.
Well, anyhow, I am sure someone will take Boggy Creek Dancer, he's quite the charmer!
Have a great day!
When my last quarter horses died, I gave up on horses. It is just too hard to keep horses in northern Illinois--and, as you say, getting older doesn't help. Buying good hay had become a huge hassle and keeping water in its liquid form for the 5 coldest months of the year is a pain. Then there is the constant fence repair and keeping the fence rows clean not to mention barn repair. It seemed I had no time for anything else--ever.
I wouldn't hesitate to take on a horse short term in an emergency, but no more long term commitments. Leave it to the young gals.
Marnie
Oh my he is stunning!! By the look in his eyes he is a watcher!! And he is tall! Close to 17 hh I'm guessing, if not a bit over.
Ah, the whole older issue. I could never imagine my life without animals both big and small. Yes, getting older has its drawbacks, but there are ways around them. I have found lately that I am having a more strenous time picking up the 130# bales and putting it onto the Gator. So, its hay hooks now!
If something should happen to me,thankfully the family will make sure the animals either stay with them or find secure homes.
It sure would be hard to say no to Boggy Creek Dancer. ( With part of his name being Dancer, he has to have Native Dancer in his lines)
I understand too -- since we have no kids,I feel I am in the same position. If I had someone who could take care of them after I get too old, I would get two donkeys right now. I was mad at my hubby for getting Samson -- Samoyeds can live to 15 - 16 years old. But Boggy Creek Dancer is a beautiful horse and hard to resist.--Inger
He is a beautiful horse! I don't know horse breeds, though, but is he Appaloosa?
Liz (aka Ninny)
big horses frighten me...chris had a bloody awful old mare called pippa with an bad attitude!!! I hated her
Wow, he really is a beautiful horse. I don't know much about horses or taking care of them, but I have always been intrigued by their majestic look and their beauty. So I know I beautiful horse when I see one.
Getting older...it really isn't for wimps is it?
Well, Louise, you have great taste! This guy is so fantastic and, after watching some Rolex coverage prior to the Preakness last weekend, I can't help but link him to Courageous Comet, an Olympian and one of the top eventers in the world, because of the grey, of course! CC came from the same humble beginnings here at Finger Lakes!
I also feel the reminders of time marching on and, for the first time in my life, have aches and pains that slow me. It's disconcerting but not enough to shut me down. I hope it will be a long time before that happens. I am seriously considering acquiring a local horse to be my trail buddy after years of not riding.
There are times when a certain something resonates and begs attention. Boggy Creek Dancer will be popular, I'm guessing, but if you need enabling, Louise, I would have no objections!
Well, I see everything is back in order. Liz, he's a Thoroughbred, though I can see where you might think he was an Appy. The reason he's spotted like that is because he is in the process of doing what we call "greying out." Grey horses start out dark and fade to white over the years. This guy is in the process of that fade.
foundationmare -- no, no, no! No enabling please!
oooooh! Forget Nigel, when I grow up I want to look like HIM! He's beautiful!
I am catching up on your blog after missing a few days because of Maguire...But I think you may have the same problem with horses that I have with Golden Retrievers--However YOU seem to have the ability to think clearly and say no, where I do not!! Let us know if this handsome boy gets snapped up--If not, maybe fate is telling you that he's meant to be with you!! ;-)))
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