So glad Cookie is okay. This lovely essay took me back to childhood memories of visiting my grandparents. Each visit I would end up meandering outside to talk to the horses when I found adult conversation boring and dry. The compassion I learned from afternoons spent with these beautiful creatures was better than any book I could ever read about unconditional love. So glad you can share this with your children.
Thank you for this story Holly. I felt like I was reading something my daughter wrote -- I've shared it with her. She was born asking to ride a horse and hasn't stopped since (she's 22). She is finishing up school, studying animal science and trying to decide her future. But this story reminds me of all the times one of our horses were sick or the "barn" horses she rode at the farm for many years before we had our own property, got sick or old. It's a beautiful essay. I'm glad Cookie is ok.
Holly - as a rancher with horses I have walked a similar path. You had me at Founder. We had saddle horses for riding and herding, Percheron work horses to pull our wagons, mowers and ploughs and two good sized ponies for our two daughters to ride at will. Like the photo of your son draped lovingly over Cookie’s bare back our two girls did the same. The black pony was named Black Beauty (of course) the roan was named Gypsy. Best friends. Caretakers. Therapists. Watch dogs. These ponies played all these roles for our girls. So, like you, we learned to watch for the signs of impending health concerns - all of those you mention. Especially Foundering for ponies.
Once I again your words have led me to that place where fond family memories roam freely through fields of resilience and joy. Thank you.
What a touching story. So grateful that Cookie got through that! I love hearing and feeling the intimacy and connection between you and Cookie. It's another world in a way and I'm thankful you are sharing it with such deeply felt stories. As one who do not know horses, I love getting this glimpse, and opening my senses, to the life and connections your stories share.
And that picture of your son, so at home on Cookie, is precious!
So glad Cookie is okay. This lovely essay took me back to childhood memories of visiting my grandparents. Each visit I would end up meandering outside to talk to the horses when I found adult conversation boring and dry. The compassion I learned from afternoons spent with these beautiful creatures was better than any book I could ever read about unconditional love. So glad you can share this with your children.
Thank you for this story Holly. I felt like I was reading something my daughter wrote -- I've shared it with her. She was born asking to ride a horse and hasn't stopped since (she's 22). She is finishing up school, studying animal science and trying to decide her future. But this story reminds me of all the times one of our horses were sick or the "barn" horses she rode at the farm for many years before we had our own property, got sick or old. It's a beautiful essay. I'm glad Cookie is ok.
Utterly heartstopping, compellingly beautiful ... gorgeous emotion-laden writing. Thank you
Holly - as a rancher with horses I have walked a similar path. You had me at Founder. We had saddle horses for riding and herding, Percheron work horses to pull our wagons, mowers and ploughs and two good sized ponies for our two daughters to ride at will. Like the photo of your son draped lovingly over Cookie’s bare back our two girls did the same. The black pony was named Black Beauty (of course) the roan was named Gypsy. Best friends. Caretakers. Therapists. Watch dogs. These ponies played all these roles for our girls. So, like you, we learned to watch for the signs of impending health concerns - all of those you mention. Especially Foundering for ponies.
Once I again your words have led me to that place where fond family memories roam freely through fields of resilience and joy. Thank you.
I loved this. As a horsewoman coping with a sick horse, I can relate to all the feelings and scenes you captured so well.
Thanks for sharing your story. I don’t know much about horses but your heartfelt telling was wonderful. Happy that all is well!
So glad Cookie survived her ordeal. Very little is as heartbreaking as having to say good bye to a horse.
Nice writing. Your emotions came through.
Beautiful words, Holly.
Oof. I’m so glad she is ok.
Beautiful. Having taken care of horses in my past I feel the story to my core.
Great read! And glad your buddy is healthy
Absolutely perfect, Holly. I have a horse too and that helpless feeling rings true. Beautifully wrought.
I’m so happy that Cookie is ok! Now stop making me tear up with your gorgeous prose.
I had meant I ask how Cookie recovered! Now I know: a miracle. Xoxox Cookie!
What a touching story. So grateful that Cookie got through that! I love hearing and feeling the intimacy and connection between you and Cookie. It's another world in a way and I'm thankful you are sharing it with such deeply felt stories. As one who do not know horses, I love getting this glimpse, and opening my senses, to the life and connections your stories share.
And that picture of your son, so at home on Cookie, is precious!