Happy Retirement To My Best Friend, Festins Pharoh

The first time I met you I was still broken from the loss of my first best friend, Total Reflection.  I didn't think I wanted another horse and was ready to be done with horses forever.  Somehow I was convinced to drive down to southern Illinois and look at you Thanksgiving weekend.  The first time I saw you you were the only horse living in a cow barn and you had bandages on three of your legs from your most recent incident.  I knew then that you were meant to be mine...it wouldn't have mattered if you bucked me off on our trial ride, you were coming home.  Low flying fighter jets from the nearby Air Force base buzzed by a few times during that trial and you seemed unphased.  Pharoh, as your previous mom called you, was the horse for me.

The adoption photo that convinced us to go look at you!

The morning that you shipped out to me!

Almost a month later, in the middle of a snowstorm you were shipped to me.  The hauler told me how horrible you were, almost before he was out of the truck.  I think his exact words were "I don't know what they told you about this horse, but he doesn't load, he kicks, and he bites".  You unloaded quickly from the trailer, hit your head on the way out, and stood nervously beside him as he tossed me the lead rope and wished me luck.  Almost immediately you let out a deep sigh and seemed to relax.

Your goofy personality!

Selfie Face

Happy Birthday!

The next few years passed quickly.  You didn't cross tie.  In fact you flipped over or pulled free from every attempt at cross tying that was made.  You HATED being groomed and could not be touched on the shoulder, the flank, or the hip.  Forget about trying to touch your ears.  We spent a lot of time with a bridle with clips on the bit so we could buckle the bridle over your head, then put the bit in and secure it.  We had your vision checked because you SPOOKED AT EVERYTHING!  The vet said you saw things just find but that you were a bit high strung and neurotic.  We rode in the fields more often than not because you were very spooky in the indoor arena. Mounting blocks were always a challenge.  You broke your fair share of them, flipped us both over once, and made many quick escapes with me half way on and trying my best to calm you.  But once you learned that they weren't going to kill you, you stood patiently next to them while I mounted you bareback in the most awkward possible way.  You always gently nudged me that it was ok to get on and that was just one of our unspoken communications.  You learned to be a gentle and obedient friend.  I'm not sure I have met many other horses that will take a treat so delicately no matter how it is handed to you.  No matter how much we did or did not accomplish together you have been one of the best teachers and friends a girl could ask for.  You have taught me to be patient and confident. You taught me how much a horse truly costs and what they give you in return.  You also taught me to SIT BACK!  I have never ridden a horse so light and agile with his front end.  It only took a few blows to the face with the top of your poll to learn to stay centered and balanced and to, for the love of God, SIT BACK!  In the last two years you have taught me what it means to be truly devoted to an animal and dedicate a huge part of your life to their care and needs.  I am so glad that we have had so much quiet time together every morning and evening. I'd like to think you even helped other horses by teaching me about Vitamin E deficiency and its treatment.  Most importantly, you shared your goofy personality.

First Away Show

Levitating

You LOVE a good selfie

Hugs for good boys

Up for anything, even sidesaddle

Western tack with grandma

Kissy Faces

Ok, maybe not up for faux ditches and yoga mats

Best view in the entire world

It's a bitter pill to swallow that it is time for you to retire...At 21 years of age, I can count the number of unsound days you have had on one hand.  Your work ethic is second to none and you always give everything you have to everything you do, even if it is being naughty or being sick. I'm sure that your stubborn attitude and distaste for being told what to do is why you are still here today.  You have survived more sickness and chronic health diseases than anyone should ever have to endure.  It's hard to believe that Memorial Day weekend of 2016 I brought you home from the University to spend a few days in your field before we said goodbye and you rallied back, all be it with a lot of TLC, diet changes, and medications.  I never thought I'd get the opportunity to ride you again, but you surprised us all by coming back stronger than ever.  Now your IBD flares are becoming more frequent and severe and they seem to be brought on by more trivial things.  You've more than earned your happy retirement and I hope that I have another ten years of loving and brushing you and spending quality time with you, but I know in reality it's not likely.  I hope you enjoy your retirement, even though I know that you will keep yourself fit by running and playing in your turnout and tearing up the pastures any chance you're given.  I'm so glad we ended up in such a beautiful place with such wonderful people and care. I couldn't have designed a better life for you if I tried and am so glad that we met Lisa, Norah, and Rita. You are truly home with them. Thankfully, we still get to see each other twice a day!  I love you more than you could possibly know.

First hospital stay

Second hospital stay

Two hospital stays, a grave prognosis and you still look like this

and move like this

and play like this

and perform like this

and find trouble like this

PS: Please don't be mad if you see me riding another horse...I know you're the jealous type! You and TR taught me that riding and being a horsewoman is too much a part of who I am and that I'm just not me without it.

Happy at home

Happy Retirement Babe!

Love,

Tracy

PS: Sorry about the word, photo, and video overload.  He is my life and his retirement deserves a fitting tribute!  If you made it this far, thank you!