Day 326 CJSM-book IV

Day 326

 

The first time we hooked the cart to Stormy in

Tennessee---so nervous and he was perfect

 

 

“April’s Stormy-Knight” deserved his moniker due to the terrible-weather on a dark stormy night of his birth; the “innuendo” of a “troubled” personality for this equine is not accurate. Stormy absolutely loved our Becky-girl and did anything she asked---one fine horse!

Stormy favored Becky. Maybe because we had a “trainer” in Oregon who tried to ride (discipline) the young colt; what an experience for horse, “rider” and audience.

Rider-John mounted the gelding with his “ vast” experience and expertise just “bursting-at-the-seams”; ole Stormy had some very different ideas; we witnessed one wild rodeo!

Stormy began his shenanigans as quick as his tormentor’s seat hit the saddle; bucks and kicks with the full-intent of quickly dislodging the nemesis on his back; John ended up, after five or six high-bucks, in front of the saddle, sitting on the colt’s neck with John’s glasses askew.  Wow!

That incident comprised Stormy’s first, and last, “professional” training. Thank God!

Becky did a fine job bringing the equine along. She broke him to the harness, trained him with ground training (and infinite patience) and was the only person who could ride him.

When we moved to Tennessee, our horses are, indeed, “well-traveled”, we purchased a cart up yonder in Kentucky; Becky “ground” trained Stormy to pull the contraption as old Dad stood close-by, you know, to call an ambulance or doctor or such!?---Stormy did just fine…me, too?

Finally came the day Becky convinced Dad to “take-a-ride” in the horse-drawn chariot.

Gathering all my courage, I climbed aboard with Miss Rachel holding the reins; I was somewhat consoled as the harness had “blinders” and he could not see behind him.

We started out; Becky seemed perfectly “relaxed”; Stormy was fine; I was “a bit” nervous!?

Mr. Stormy behaved “perfectly”; Becky was ecstatic; I “enjoyed” the ride.

When good ole Stormy took his first stride, I said to Miss Becky, “If Stormy ever sees what is following him right on his heels, I’m bailing out!” She laughed at my obvious trepidation.

We enjoyed that initial “buggy”-ride and many more thereafter without incident. Great!

Old Stormy eventually succumbed to colic; he had suffered numerous previous attacks; that last episode was beyond our medical ministering; even the vet could not save our bay-beauty.

In the beginning is anticipation! In the element of time is pleasure! In the end is Memories!

 

Ah! Cookie Jar Sweet “Yaw! Hey!” Memories!