 |
| "Spring Green" casein 6 x 6" |
Last Thursday was a sad day for us on Cob Cottage Farm. My 31 year old Tennessee Walking Horse crossed over Rainbow Bridge. We knew he was failing and that we would be facing this moment ....but it is never an easy decision.Imperial Dominator had been my main man for 26 of those years. He came to me a very green, just gelded ,still stallion-y and in need of manners. Dom and I had years of learning...and we bonded and melted into one. Rider and horse...covering miles...always sound and sane. Dom was my main man....my strength and protector. I treasure years of riding with friends, in competitions, for fun and game. Dom could be difficult. There where times when he did NOT want to go into a trailer.....and it was his call when he would eventually load. Other times he would march right on Life was lived on his terms. He was a thinking horse and often did not think what I wanted to do needing doing. And on occasion his stubbornness saved us from a wrong step, a bad trail...a bad decision on my part. He took care of me. I hauled him to Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire.... where we competed in long distance rides against GAG's ......."Gray Arabian Geldings"......Dom was a black Tennessee Walker gelding....not the right color or breed for endurance races....but we showed them to never underestimate a determined TWH, no matter what his size of color is!! We did well.
Dom was handsome...impressive...and he knew it. But he could be a fool too. He loved opening locked doors, pasture gates, untying ropes. He loved to have his ears scratched, his nose scratched...but hated having his teeth floated. He loved apples, but knew when a pill was hiding in one and would refuse the "poisoned apple". Yes, Dom was a thinking horse.
I miss him so. I have not painted...have not even worked in the studio since his passing. His barn buddies, Victoria , our Welsh Cob mare and Duster, our other TWH gelding, miss him. It is a big loss in all our lives.......but this too will pass. The pain will lessen and sweet memories will soften our sorrow.
Dom is buried on our farm.....but I have to believe that one day I will be with him again in heaven.
 |
| Imperial Dominator D. photo copyright Dodo Knight 1989 |
8 comments:
Oh dear, what can I say except I'm sorry, but would add that you have been so SO lucky to have had him in your life for that long. Going on the photograph he was beautiful, what a wonderful friend to have had.
I'm so sorry ... but what a great age and so many happy experiences/memories.
My 'old girl' is a mere 25/26 years but I have many similar memories - she isn't an 'easy' mare but that just makes her more fun and interesting I think. I believe I may have to make a horrible decision this Winter
I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend.
I am sorry to hear this news. He sounds as if he was a great friend; an animal soulmate. While I have not had the opportunity to ride a TWH, several in my family did. I understand they really do have a wonderfully comfortable gait. May his memory be a comfort.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Horses are so special and they touch our lives in such a profound way. People who aren't blessed to have them in they're family might not understand that. Many prayers and hugs.
Thank you everyone, for your kind words of comfort. It is never easy to loose an animal that really becomes one of our family.Life is going on here on the farm,a little slower and easier....
Thank you again.
kp
How wonderful that you have so many memories of this magnificent horse - it sounds like he brightened your life considerably and I have no doubt that you brightened his as well. My deepest sympathies for your loss.
Thank you Susan,The heart heals with many wonderful memories of my special Dom.
kp
Post a Comment