Tribute to my old mate

I had to make the heartbreaking decision to let my old horse

shadow go yesterday - April 20th 2011. After 19 years with me and

at 28 years of age, my old mate had too many aches and pains and the

upcoming winter would not have been kind.

This is a little poem for him,

I remember when I got you

You were stubborn from the start,

But that didn't matter to me

I loved you with all my heart

It wasn't always easy

As I learnt to ride

But you remained so patient

As I tried and tried and tried

From barrel races to hack shows

I dragged you here and there

I pushed and pulled and prodded

And you just didn't care

Down the beach at Cabarita,

You loved an ocean swim

to hours of trails at newmans

So many places we have been,

Although you did get cranky

you were a great old shoe,

Helped the kids learn how to ride

And some adults too

Now I have to let you go

And the choice is hard to make

I believe it is the right one

Before it gets too late

19 years is a long time

So many memories

Thankyou shad my old mate

for growing up with me,

Goodbye to my 'old man'

I'll miss you every day

Id rather let you go now,

than let you fade away

Im glad that you went quickly,

It was as if you knew,

A few last carrots and a mars bar

and your best mate next to you,

Rest in peace my shadow

In that pasture in the sky

You'll be forever young there

& I'll see you again sometime

x x tjk