January 8, 2010

• Requiem for a Good Friend

  This is not something I want to write. As you know, I like to keep things light and upbeat. But sometimes life intervenes.

                       

  This morning we learned that we lost a good friend last night. We knew this was inevitable, but still, it really took us by surprise because we weren’t expecting it anytime soon. But just last week Stan and I noted that Tex was taking on the look of an “old man.” He was whiskery and gray around his muzzle, and he didn’t hold his head up as alertly as he once did. When the other horses frisked around, he stood aside and watched rather than taking part in the fun. And although the horses have access to shelter, perhaps the extreme cold of the last couple of days was just too much. This morning when Stan went outside, he found his old friend gone.

                  

  (Lucky is the white one….Tex, a quarter horse, turned black in the fall when he put on his winter coat. In the spring when he shed it off, he was lighter, a color called bay. In either color, he was beautiful, with strong hindquarters and deep withers…what you want in a cow horse.)

  I don’t know how many times I’ve heard, “Tex is the best horse I’ve ever had.” And this cowboy meant it. Horses on our place have to earn their keep, and the livin’ aint easy. The ground is rough and rocky, and hollers are steep and deep. But Tex was always sure-footed and had plenty of go when he needed it, even heading straight up. 

                      

       (Tex turned 20 last June, about the time this picture was taken)

  We always suspected Tex had a hard start to life. He was probably ten years old by the time he came to live on the Diamond T. He always refused to be shod on his back feet and seemed unable to completely bend his back legs as he should have been able to do. Some early injury was lasting. But no matter…he always got the job done, bare hooves on the rear notwithstanding.

                        

  This is my favorite picture of Tex. It was taken in December, on a cold winter’s morning. He was really gettin’ it, head up and lookin’ sharp, going after a wily calf that didn’t want to be penned. Few horses have real cow sense…Tex did. That’s the highest compliment a horse can receive around this place. He had a lot of fun doing his job. That gives us comfort in this time of loss…that, and knowing that he was well cared for and loved.

  Peace ride with you, Tex. May your pastures be green, the waters clear and cool, and the trail smooth…we sure will miss you.

  • 4:01 pm
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