I literally ran off the bus and my
Dad greets my by saying, “We got Busted from the auction for you” to which I
immediately replied, “His name is Buddy!”
That argument still goes on today, 17 years later. I fell in love with him quickly. We had him gelded and he vet-checked at 3-3 ½
years old. I was 13. I started ground training him and after a few
weeks, my family gathered to watch as I got on him for the first time in the
round pen. I was ready for a rodeo, but
as I got on him, and nudged him with my heels, he just stood there, turning his
head around to look at me, like, “What are you doing up there.” Mom got in the round pen and led him and once
he got walking at a good pace would duck out of the round pen. Buddy would immediately stop. So much for the rodeo I was expecting. I had devoured training books and was
prepared for the horse that wouldn’t stop, but had never heard of a horse that
wouldn’t move.
I looked through my books again and
one trainer said to hold his head to the side and not to let him straighten out
his neck unless he moved his feet to get his head straight. As soon as he moved his feet, release the
pressure. This worked like a charm. We also started going on trail rides and Mom
would pony me on Gold. Riding Buddy was
something I looked forward to every day.
It also gave me a reason to fight back hard when I got sick. A trained horse didn’t miss much when I was
sick and couldn’t ride, but if I missed riding for several days on Buddy, he
went backwards in training pretty quick.
Horses are repetitive learning animals so the more you do something, the
better they learn.
One of my first memories of Buddy
and I’s amazing bond is when Aunt Netta came over to tell us that Great Grandma
Duncan had been diagnosed with colon cancer and the doctors gave her two weeks
to live. I remember running out to his
pen, sobbing, and throwing my arms around his neck. He literally turned his head to wrap me in a “hug”. It’s amazing the way God created animals to
sense when we are out of sorts and upset, and the kindness He shows us in
giving us these incredible gifts from above.
Before I was saved, horses were my
god. I said I would never live in the
city and I would never not have horses.
They say never say never and that proved true for me. For the last 10 years I have lived in or near
the city and Buddy stayed at my parent’s house.
Thankfully I was always within 45 minutes to an hour from their place
and was always able to see him and ride.
Since being saved, God has shown me what a wonderful gift Buddy is, and
how I can use our relationship to point to the One who made us.
It’s hard to find words to explain
the bond between horse and girl. It’s
something so precious and beautiful, words don’t do it justice. I can get on him in the midst of trials and
go for a ride and enjoy being one with my horse out in God’s beautiful
creation, and suddenly my circumstances don’t seem so big or bad. There have been many incredible moments like
running at top speed bareback through the desert, wind blowing through my hair,
a feeling rivaled by few things in this life.
The many times when I have been sick and just go out to his pen and lay
on his back and instantly feel a bit better.
Or the many starlit nights as a kid that I would just lay on his back
and look at the stars or when I would
take him to the grassy area with a good book and lay on his back and read while
he happily chomped away at the grass.
Horses are one of God’s greatest
gifts to mankind and my life has been much richer for having them in my
life.
Job 39:19-24 says,
“Have you given the horse strength?
Have you clothed his
neck with thunder?
Can you frighten him
like a locust?
His majestic snorting
strikes terror.
He paws in the
valley, and rejoices in his strength;
He gallops into the
clash of arms.
He mocks at fear, and
is not frightened;
Nor does he turn back
from the sword.
The quiver rattles
against him,
The glittering spear
and javelin.
He devours the
distance with fierceness and rage;
Nor does he come to a
halt because the trumpet has sounded.”
There’s nothing like driving up in
my parent’s yard, getting out and yelling, “Hey Buddy boy” and having him
nicker and come towards the fence to get some attention. Or making that special whistling sound and
having him start to prance in anticipation of a good run. Or doing his “fancy trot” with head bowed and
ears pricked forward prancing along for all to see just how gorgeous he is. I truly have been blessed beyond measure with
not only a great partner but a loving friend.
Buddy
I remember when I
first laid eyes on you,
That warm spring day,
You were focused so
intently,
On eating up all that
hay.
The excitement and
anticipation, not knowing if I’d get you,
Or one of the other
horses,
As I got off the bus
that day and ran into the yard,
God gave me the buddy
I would need,
Knowing in a much
deeper way,
Just how much I would
need you,
More than I could
ever know at the time.
Teaching you to
follow me on the ground,
Your first saddle,
My first ride,
I thought it was
going to be fast,
But you just stood
there, perplexed,
Wondering why I wasn’t
by your side.
It didn’t take us
long,
To figure out how to
go forward,
And how far you’ve
come,
From all those years
ago.
You motivated me to
keep going,
When the going got
tough,
You gave me a
challenge,
When our iron wills
would clash,
But friendship always
won out,
As we learned from
each other,
And I am a much
better person because of you.
You helped me through
some very hard times,
Learning my loved
ones were lost to cancer,
I spent countless
hours on your back,
Pouring out my heart
and soul to you,
My friend that would
listen no matter what,
And love me through
it all.
Getting married and
leaving you behind,
One of the hardest
things to do,
But so thankful for
my precious husband,
Who saw that bond
between me and you,
And encouraged me to
spend more time in your presence,
As he saw the passion
and joy you brought to me.
Running through the
desert,
Wind streaming
through my hair,
Cutting in and around
the bushes,
With the slightest
touch of my leg,
Like you were reading
my mind,
And did what I wanted
you to do,
Before I even asked.
What a team we make,
Demonstrating this
mysterious bond,
Between horse and
rider,
Something that cannot
be explained,
Other than a priceless
gift from above,
Infinitely blessed by
the One who created you,
All those years ago,
Knowing the love we
would share,
And how our bond
would bring Him glory,
For it’s only because
of Him,
My Great God and
Savior,
That we are such
precious friends.
Here are many pictures, depicting our precious bond. :) Enjoy!
Sharing my passion with others :) |
OOOHHH! Even though we always had dogs. I sailed a lot. I almost started to cry - reading this. I truly understand that I have missed something! You and Buddy at full speed or just laying at his back looking at the stars. So blessed!
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