This really isn't a question, it's more a tribute to my horse... Like many of you, when I was a kid I DREAMED

Question

of owning a very special horse. I had a horse in high school, but she wasn't the 'special' one. I went to college then joined the Air Force. Then, after months of searching, I found him - the special one. He was an 8 year old bay Arabian gelding. To me he was spectacularly gorgeous but the best thing about him was his personality - and how FUN he was to ride! He was affectionate, spirited, willing and extremely well behaved. We shared thousands of hours on the trails. We had great adventures. We saw amazing sights. We had 26 incredible, wonderful years together. I retired him when he turned 31 but we still hung out together. Then on Jan. 6, Pharoh was out in his pasture and another horse kicked him - broke his leg. Just like that, he was gone. He was 34 and still very healthy. I probably won't get another horse, I'm nearly 50 and out of shape. But mostly because I'll never find another Pharoh. I just wanted to share him with people who would know how I feel. Thanks for listening.

Answer 1

Pharoh sounds like he was an awesome horse. I have one like him named Cameo who will be 30 in June, and it is going to devastate me when she passes.

Just remember, you will see him again... in the words of Winston Churchill... "God forbid I go to a Heaven where there are no horses."

Here is my favorite poem for you. It is called Poem for Survivors:

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awake in the morning's hush
I am the soft uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry
I am not there. I did not die.

Sounds like a horse, doesn't it?

Hugs to you...

Answer 2

I know how you feel when I was 4 years my dad got my horse, she was only my horse, we was almost inseparable. I was the only that could ride her she would climb all over but she would not let any one else ride her. when I was 13 Years old my father sold her because he says that he did not trust her and sold her and would not tell me where or who bought her. I said that I would never get attached to another horse because it hurt so much I had still would go riding because my family had horses. I grown up now and still ride. About 7 years ago we bought this beautiful brown and white horse, and there was just something about her eyes so whenever I ride I usually ride her. 1 of the horses that we had bought around the time that we had bought this brown and white that we call callie was wild 1 day when I went out int the pasture to get 1 of the horses to ride the horse had gotten in the pasture with the other she was not interested in the other horses she charged me while running towards me Callie ran into her slamming her body against the other horse, and I know that the wild horse would have hurt. I still have Callie is till with me will she is only 13 right and I look for us to be together for a long time, and her favorite thing is for kids to be paying attention to her, and thanks for sharing your story with me.

Answer 3

An old cowboy once told me you've had a good life if you have had one good horse, one good woman and (grrrr...I can't think of the third, I'll come back and edit when I think of it).
Some people never experience the feeling of the good one. I understand how the two of you were, he would do things for you before you ask, like he could read your mind.
My ornery old fart will turn 29 on June 6th. I bought him as a 2-year old. I wouldn't be the person I am today if he was never part of my life.
He is also retired, but we still go out once in awhile bareback and he is so proud to still be needed.
Lots of horses have come and gone over the years, but he is my keeper and I love him dearly.
Heck with this, it's still light enough to go for a short ride, wish you and your horse could come along.
You are not too old, maybe ride a friend's horse or something, cuz when you get a whiff of horse in your nose, you will get a smile on your face. They are in your blood.
You were lucky to have Pharoh. My heart goes out to you.

Answer 4

Wow, that's amazing that he lived to be 34 and you didn't lose him to old-age complications! Congrats on that, you must have had a very strong bond. My "special" one is 26 now, and very close to retirement. I have had him for 11 years and we have been all over the country together. I know you said you probably won't get another horse, but age is no reason! My mom is over 50 and still rides daily. Even though you will never have another Pharoh, you could still find a great companion. You could even adopt a retired horse to keep in the pasture for company, and save another horse's life in Pharoh's honor. :) Thanks for sharing!

Answer 5

I am truly sorry for your loss and I know your pain all too well. I have had horses all my life, and grew up on a breeding/show farm. So I had some pretty amazing horses in and out of my life. But as you said there is always that one special one. For me that was Big Red, he carried me to many championships in the ring, and he carried through many hard hard times that I never thought I could get through. He too was 34 when he past away but his death left me with guilt and a broken heart. I went to college and everyone said he was hanging on for me. The day I left I can still hear him not a whinny almost a scream. But he stopped eating and drinking and died before I came home. I got rid the rest of my horses and just recently (13 years later) got back into hores. Thank you for sharing your story and and honoring a very amazing and wonderful horse.

Answer 6

I'm sorry. Horses are so powerful and majestic - it's hard to remember how fragile they really are sometimes. Live with the happy memories you two had. "26 incredible, wonderful years together" is more than anyone can dream of - person or animal.

I've had my girl for 6 years now - she just turned 20. Not that old, I know, but I always fret over her despite the fact she acts half her age (and always has!). It's hard because my dog of 5 years just passed away, and that was tough because he helped me through my high school years. I have no idea how it will be with Cracker...she's seen me through jr high, high school, and now college...who knows what else will be in the future! I can't imagine what you're feeling right now.

Remember the adventures. Sometimes when memories get to be too much, my mom and I will write stories to get them down on paper - details that we didn't even consciously remember will come out. It always makes us feel better.

Answer 7

Wow, that's soo sad. made me cry actually.
I own a 34 year old chestnut Arabian mare.
She is still ridable, and she was me first horse.
I cant even imagine what i will do, and i just know its coming.

Arabians hold a special place in my heart, but no horse will ever be as special as my Sereyna, i have had and have several other horses, but none of them mean as much as she does.

My girl is still soo spunky, the only horse that ever rears or bucks lol. even the ex racer doesn't lol.

I am sure your Arabian was a great and beautiful horse and like my girls stayed spunky till the end.

I hope you still hold a connection with horses, they tend to just calm the senses. And just know that there is someone else out there that knows where your coming from.

Answer 8

I am so sorry for your loss! Don't give up on horses though. I have had 2 that I had that special bond with. I really miss them. I was the only horse person in my family. Horses are the most noble of beasts. I know alot of people who are much older than you that still ride. In fact some outride the younger folks. We use to trail ride at Cedar Lake in the Quachita National forest. Over 75 miles of trails. My friends dad was 70 years old and he plumb wore all of us out. Don't give up!

Answer 9

Don't give up the sport- there are people who are in their 70's and even 80's and they are still riding. Some of our top US team riders are in their 50's and 60's, and they not only ride, they compete- and they win, I might add. I'm sorry you lost your horse- it must feel like you have lost your best friend right now. I know- I have been there far more often than I can count or really remember. I just hope that you can find it in your heart to continue your riding- and no matter what anyone says, you are NOT too old !!!

Answer 10

Thank you for this tribute to your friend. A few years ago I lost my special horse and your tribute brought many good memories of the times I had with my friend. I can say my mare was my best friend and confidant and we had so many many good times riding and showing together. As a sixty year old with two more horses---at fifty take a little time and get back to riding. You'll enjoy the exercise and everything else associated with horses. You are never too old.