I had the sad news today that Elsa has died. She was a riding school horse that I had on loan for many years. She was quirky, but the only horse I felt confidant on to hack alone, even if I did come back cantering sideways one frosty Christmas Day. I loved her to bits. She became a RDA stalwart, and I occasionally rode her side saddle.
I gave up the loan when I had the opportunity to buy Grace, and I could not afford both. But she stayed on the yard as a school horse, and someone else took her on loan soon afterwards, so I saw her nearly every day anyway, until we moved away. A few years ago she was retired from the riding school and went to live on a private yard with the person who loaned her after me. She was loved, treasured and pampered to the end of her days. Nevertheless, I am very tearful today.
The photo is of us looking smug after doing well at a best turned out class at the yard, about 20 years ago!
I gave up the loan when I had the opportunity to buy Grace, and I could not afford both. But she stayed on the yard as a school horse, and someone else took her on loan soon afterwards, so I saw her nearly every day anyway, until we moved away. A few years ago she was retired from the riding school and went to live on a private yard with the person who loaned her after me. She was loved, treasured and pampered to the end of her days. Nevertheless, I am very tearful today.
The photo is of us looking smug after doing well at a best turned out class at the yard, about 20 years ago!