Frog

For those that do not know this mare was the beloved horse of a special friend.  I had the honor of meeting Frogs person, beloved "dad" who passed a year and a half ago, in the barn, in the very chair you see and today it was nice to talk about Ken today with his wife and my friend Deb. A year ago we delivered Buck to Ken's son and his family. It was a good trip. Today was like Ken was around and no doubt shaking his head because I'm loving all over Frog and pampering her. He loved this mare as much as he did Buck and possibly a little more. She's 28 years old and was a true Cowboy horse. Worked cattle and she worked sun up to sun down and beyond I'm sure. She was a working ranch horse. It is my complete and total honor to now say Frog is ours to be retired to cart kids around and enjoy the life my mid 30's mare does of mostly retirement. Don't get me wrong, this gal could probably still work but won't have to. She's hauled special needs children around, numerous grandkids around and special needs adults around for therapy as well. She is the true been there done that mare. She got lots of kisses, which no doubt, ken was looking down saying she's not suppose to do that but she took to me right away, would look for me too. Deb was in awww. I was called and asked if I knew anyone she could retire with and pretty much without skipping a beat I said well the only answer for her is to be here. Mind you I turned down 4 free horses in a week but this was just like Ken was  asking. It was honestly the easiest decision I've ever made concerning a horse. Another friend texted me yesterday said I needed more horses didn't I, my quick response was absolutely not. Well I went to see her today and groomed, brushed,  combed tale and mane and she looked like a red dun princess. She is an absolute doll and honestly the first true Ranch horse I've ever had. I hope I can come close to filling the roll of mom as he did as her dad. I hope he's smiling down upon her and us and watch over us for many more years. Thank you Ken, my friend, and Deb also my friend for the honor and privilege of trying to be half of what he was to this girl. She rested her chin on my shoulder and soaked up my attention and my talking to her. She was very receptive to us. It was all very surreal but it wasn't we were talking about Ken not being there, it was like he was there. The barn was calm, it was cool and very peaceful. It felt very welcoming and a peaceful place to be. I hope Ken, that you are smiling from above and you have met Amber's mom and we are all sure she had a part in this. It was something I never expected at all but welcomed as easily as if it was absolutely suppose to be. Frog will never be taken out of Ken's name, a tribute to him,  I am merely  her earthly guardian and protector and if I can fill half his shoes I'll be happy. Frog, I can't wait for you to come home. Yes this is your home now until you can rejoind Ken. She's a beautiful red dun. 

Now I know why I turned the others down. Ken was up there arranging things through my best friend Amber. It never ever crossed my mind one time of ending up with one of the most important horses in his life. Wes got a huge surprise being given Ken's saddle for his horse. I got Frogs bridle set up so she'd be in what she was use too. I can never express to Deb the light within my heart or how much it means to me to be bestowed something so special.  Truly Debra Cooper you will never know whats in my heart because there are no words to Express it. 

Some will say this is sappy, well go ahead, but I'll tell you every word is truly from the heart and could I have brought her home today I would have. It's been a long time since I got a horse I was excited, truly deep down excited, to take on another horse but we need each other. There was just no other answer for her and I told Amber there was no other answer for her but to come live here. 

We all talked fondly about Ken, I told her I almost didn't set anything in "his" chair but then I know it would be ok. How lucky he was to pass where he loved to be the most, the barn in with his horses. He was a true cowboy and his horses were his world like they are mine. So now she will never end up in a feedlot, kill lot, sale or on a truck bound for hell. There will be arrangements made for all my horses should something happen to me but especially Josie and Frog. So Amber Barker you will be the Frogs person should something unforeseen happen to me. This horse will live in the lap of luxury the rest of her days whether it's a year or 20 more years. 

Welcome to our family our big ole Frog. Heck I have a horse named Cat so why not a Frog too. Josie will be happy to have a senior that matches her personality perfectly.  There was just no other answer than me saying just bring her here where I know she will be protected the rest of her life. I hope you, Debra Cooper, you don't mind me sharing this with my family of horse people. I have never had such a calmness over getting another horse. Wes didn't even disagree. And get this, Ken's middle name is Wesley! I mean seriously I didn't know until today about that and it just reinforced that the right decision was made. 

Thank you again even  though a mere thank you is so not enough.