I haven’t been on in a while but, the last time I was on I read a post that asked people how they got into Morgans and I started to cry. On the hospital bed next to me was my reason and I was losing him.
This is my first time on since then and I would like to share with you all a little of my story…
I have always liked horses. Always wanted one but, my family moved alot it wasn’t even a question of working myself to get a horse. We were just moving all the time! LOL My first Breyer was a Morgan. My Mom got it for me influenced by my Grandpa’s love of Morgans. Finally, it was my turn and my Mom and Dad decided I could have my own horse. My Mom and I looked at everything under the sun eventhough I really wanted to Jump and at the end of 6 months we had decided on a little paint colt. All that was left was to send the money. When my Mom remembered that my Grandpa had liked Morgans. SO she decided to look one more time but, only for Morgans. She was on the computer for half the day, looking. I cannot count how many times I told her to “stop we already found one” or “I am sick of waiting just get that ONE”. She simply replied that “Grandpa always wanted to breed Morgans and wouldn’t it be cool to at least have one?” I guess I just wanted the process to be over but by midday you know she found the most adorable, little, black Morgan colt ever? Yes, I felt bad but, I was overjoyed! I don’t think I have ever said sorry as many times as I did that day.
We decided on him and even went to Idaho from Nevada to see him. I was estatic and couldn’t wait to tell my Grandpa that I was getting his favorite horse. Then, we had to move. Lost all contact with the breeder who had only our previous numbers and we in moving had lost hers. A few months later though we were in California and we found the breeders numbers. Yeah, we called and to my dismay the colt now gelding had been sold. The lady though offered one of her favorite mares. We bought the mare site unseen. Even though we had gone up there to look at the horses we had somehow missed this mare. A few weeks later I watched my mare waltz off a 3 horse trailer and into my hands and heart.
Some time later my Grandpa was able to come and see her. His face lighted up and we talked forever he even tried to get on her himself but, as she wasn’t even broke yet there was no way anyone would let him on. Still we both dreamed of riding together. Me with my innocent, childish wishes and he too though in dreams placing reality where it should be. Depite our age difference that little Morgan gave my Grandpa and I a whole world to talk about. I am happy to say he was able to enjoy a horse show with me. I won 2cd place Mares In-Hand but, he made it feel like a first. I cannot count the tips, little inside secrets, or hilarious stories about horses he shared. I do know that it brought us closer and in the end it was bittersweet.
In November my Grandfather passed away due to Pulmonary Fibrosis or hardening of the lungs. I am glad to say that I and my Mom and Dad were there till the end. I will only regret never getting to ask why he liked Morgans so much. I admit it was hard considering his heart and other organs were very strong. It was just his lungs. In the end it all came down to the fact that he couldn’t breathe. But, I know I will see him again some day and right now he is riding again somewhere in Heaven waiting for me to join him.
He is my reason for being in Morgans. It is amazing to me how the little things can change whole perspectives and lives. I will never forget my Grandpa, obviously, and I will never forget the Morgans we shared. Let alone his attempts to ride or how he liked to bring home certain horses and see the suprise and all else in my Grandma’s eyes. This year, God willing, I will be going to the AMHA convention in Sacramento. I wish he could have come but, in his absence I will be there and my Mom to enjoy something we know he would have enjoyed. Thanks
