Trick

Trick at the beginning 

Trick now

I know it's probably been mentioned a million times but when faced with what we have for over a month you instantly think back on the day Trick arrived, or how you coveted him for so long before he became mine, or how your going to handle the moment he falls over dead, because the first day of this experience I truly thought he was lost to me. He didn't know who I was, where he was or what was attacking his body so relentlessly. My heart broke but at the same time the fight in me started. Something kicked in, not tears, just the will to make him well, to keep him with me , to give him a reason to fight. My love for him, his life being worth saving, worth living, being loved. I'll admit I said a lot of prayers. Obviously answered. Now for those that know me know I'm spiritual not necessarily religious. I have determination and a gift for just knowing what to do but backing it up with consultations with my vet. Yes I have veterinary knowledge but not continuing education to keep up on the tricks of the trade, just a 6th sense it appears I don't really know, but dedication. As a kid I hated chores as does any kid but it's served me well in the dedication aspect. This was not a solely effort alone. This success was a few people that were happy to help or consult or let me purchase the meds he needed without a farm call every time. Twice not even an office charge for consultations. Friends stepped up to offer and help even though I said no because it's my responsibility as a steward for the one that has no voice, or does he? He was not willing to give up, even when he could barely stand. He never went down. He tried his hardest, he lost a lot of skin he lost so much. But we managed to beat it. So far. I've heard over and over why didn't you put him down? In two words he fought. I joined his fight. So many people were in his corner fighting for him. It was unbelievable, and we all won but the one who had the hardest fight was the greater winner. He is my loving, wouldn't hurt a fly kind of horse. Worth his weight in gold. In my life I've never seen such a fighting spirit and will to live. He's 15 years young, could have easily been his final age but we were blessed. He's not once asked to go back out with his herd. Has been a cooperative patient for the most part. Told me in his own way what he needed and thanked me. I'm not saying he hasn't talked to his herd but when they realized he was not out there they flipped out screaming and looking for him. He answered them and everyone has been fine since. Horses talk if you just listen with your heart and eyes. Some may not agree and simply say it just a horse, should have put him down. To those I say I hope you never own a horse, you clearly do not listen or have any type of bond or communication with your horse. I fell one time, he walked over and put his head down, I put my arms around his neck and he picked me up. This time I put my arms around him and picked him up in a manner of speaking. Many will understand this, many won't. I owe Trick a great debt for always taking care of me, it was my turn now. He took care of me when I was afraid to ride again. He takes care of me. Now it was my turn. We trust each other. Some will shake their head and roll their eyes but true horse people will understand. Is he a show horse? No. Was he a million dollar horse? No. But to me he is all those things and more to me. I drained my bank account on his first vet bill. I think I had $6 left on that day. Funny thing is, he doesn't act the same when others ride him. Two people can ride him with basically no issue which is my daughter and me. Has nothing to do with his training, has everything to do with dedication and bond. Make fun if you wish but he is my horse and I'm thankful every day that he fought to stay around. Expensive? You betcha but remember horse ownership is more than just feeding, watering and riding. It's the bad with the good, it's owners responsibility to be their voice and put their best interests first. My horses eat before anyone, I strive to give them the best for each of them. Do I care less for my others? Absolutely NOT! Everyone gets cared for according to their individual needs and it's not a one size fits all philosophy. Horses are expensive, they should take priority over a lot of things because they depend on YOU, their care taker, their family, their mentor and their voice. They take your time and they should and dedication. Sorry for the long post. I see to many that do not adopt this philosophy. It's hard work. I can not stress that enough. You get what you pay for, you get out of it what you put into it. Yep it's hot, or storming or up all night when you have to work the next day, or it's negative temperatures in the winter, your hands are numb trying to get them protected, you can'tjust say screw it I'll feed tomorrow. You get stepped on, bit, kicked, thrown, the list goes on. You do not get the luxury of doing nothing if you're sick. You drag your ass out there and take care of them. Seriously, horse partnership is so much more! Strive for the best for your horse partner. Keep learning because I can personally guarantee you will NEVER know it all. EVER! Strive to understand what they need from you as well as what you need from them. Stepping off the soapbox now. Again, horses are expensive. Also be mindful of the ones that take care of them if you aren't lucky enough to have them live with you. Whenever possible it will benefit all concerned to have your horse partner at home. It's hard to learn things when it's someone else living with your horse partner. I realize not everyone can, heck I use to have to board my horses when I had 3 horses. My daughter and I were out with them daily unless we just couldn't get there. I cleaned their stalls, I fed them, I trained one of them, mine, and I learned a lot, and I did all of this working full time and paying for full care. Ok NOW I'll climb down off my soapbox and shut up for real. This incident with Trick I wish on no one but it made me rise to a whole new level of appreciation and dedication. Which is why my horses go no where and I trust no one but me with them.