Onward And Up Words

The time frame around a holiday dedicated to the things we love found my heart bruised, not once, but twice. There weren’t little pink and red hearts gayly floating around in my world on Valentines Day. Instead, I was looking at two huge graves in our pasture while a winter storm blew snow over the freshly heaped up dirt.

I’d be lying if I told you I’m a quick heal. Please forgive me for sharing my grief. I did try to come up with a different topic, one that would be cheery like a gingham tablecloth graced with a bouquet of daisies. Sorry, no can do, its just not in me right now. Truth is, the theme of this article is actually spot on appropriate for people of the soil … farmers & ranchers. I’ve been given a fresh dose of the downside of animal stewardship.
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  1. Sue says:

    What a lovely tribute to some beautiful friends……

  2. Diane Van Horn says:

    My heart aches for you. What a beautiful creature and a touching story. How lucky to have had two wonderful souls in your life. God Bless you, until you meet again.

  3. Terry says:

    I remember Apple Pi Dolly, and I am so sorry for your loss. Your enormous loss. And your tribute simply couldn’t have been better Shery.

    Love ya gal.

  4. Carol Norwood says:

    Oh Shery … Yet another beautiful tribute to your beloved horse. I am SO sorry for your double loss but you have a wonderful attitude and with time, your aching heart will heal. Your tribute made me cry. God Bless … Carol

  5. Betty Benesi says:

    Well, I feel your pain and have never figured out how these things go in groups. The first horse I had to put down was Miss Tessa. She ended up with a very large inoperable tumor on her nasal passage. She did not want to go when she was given her injection. She kept looking up at me. I told her "It’s ok Miss Tessa, you can go".
    Her calling in life was as we discovered was to be a lesson horse for the small children. The mothers all marvelled that when a child fell off Tessa, she would stop and stand until she could figure out exactly where the child had landed. When she was gone, my trainer tried another horse for lessons, but the children just cried and said that they wanted Miss Tessa. I believe that our animals especially horses are some of our best teachers about life.

  6. shiralyn yates says:

    I feel your pain. I am so blessed that you choose to share your feelings with us. I know it was hard. I too have to believe that there is a Rainbow Bridge. It would be to hard not to believe.

  7. Joan says:

    Thank you for sharing Dolly’s life and death, you were a good friend to both Dolly and Bluebelle – yes joy joy joy down in my heart – because of your beautiful writing. And Apple looks like she will be another good friend. God Bless
    P.S. thanks farmgirl friends for being there for Shery.

  8. jonna says:

    OH Sherry, I am SO sorry. You & Bluebell have been in my thoughts lately; now I know why… your writings are so interesting, emotional, & filled with LOVE. From one animal lover to another; Prayers are with you, jonna

  9. diana henretty says:

    What a wonderful love story.
    I just read your words to my husband, who doesnt care much for horses,
    but he left the room in tears.
    We know too well of saying good-bye to our old critters that have shared our lives and laps thru our 38 yrs. together, and every time we lose one, it is just
    as hard each time, never gets any easier.
    Not too long ago, we said good-bye to our beloved Collie, the dog I had dreamed of since I was a child watching Lassie, and when I put him on the
    bed of the truck, I told him "good-bye for now, but wait for me in heaven",
    and I know he is there with all the rest, with their little angel wings on!
    Blessings to you, thank you for sharing your love in your post!
    Hugs from the Ozarks, Diana

  10. Christy says:

    Oh Shery,

    There just aren’t words to convey to you how very sorry I am. What a terrible blow to lose both your dear ones so close to one another. But I believe you are right that she couldn’t imagine living without her friend. I once again send you love and warm wishes and an understanding hug. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  11. Denise says:

    So sorry for your loss, not just once but twice, that is really so hard. prayers for you and I love your gratitude attitude!

  12. Claudia says:

    While I have only raised 4 Old English sheep Dogs I have lost them all. Your heart is in threads at each loss. It’s hard to tell people who don’t know that kind of love how wonderful it is. you are in my thoughts and prayers

  13. Ruth says:

    May you feel God’s Arms of Love around you, Shery. He is taking good care of Bluebelle and Dolly til you meet again. You have beautiful memories to cherish until then….

  14. Diann says:

    Great tribute to some fine animal friends….sigh…ya gotta quit makin’ my eyes leak though…. (:

  15. Judy says:

    What a lovely and touching tribute to your two dear "soul mates". I loved the pictures also. There is something in an animals eyes that tells you of their soul. I know your heart is broken, as that is the way we are made. It makes us human, in a good way. Hugs to you during this time. Your tears and words have broken, but lifted my heart. Your heart is open and dear and will always draw other kindred hearts to you. Blessings.

  16. bonnie ellis says:

    Sherry: I am crying with you, I know what a good horse, best friend, worker and pal can mean to you. But I am laughing with you too. That last sign about shrinking in the dryer is a hoot! God Bless and live free with your new steed.

  17. Elizabeth Colvin says:

    Your story touched my heart so deeply I found myself sitting here reading your story about Your Dolly with tears flowing…..tears of sadness as I can imagine how much you will miss her and tears of joy that her heart is no longer breaking for the loss of her best friend. Thank you for sharing your beautiful story and the wonderful celebration of Dolly’s life and memories

  18. Bonnie says:

    Oh Sheri, My heart goes out to you. I am writing this with tears in my eyes. Although I have never owned or been close to a horse, I have had other animals who have been dear to me and my family. And when you lose one it is just like a part of your heart being torn out, as you said. How wonderful for you to have so many memories and photos of those precious days with your two amazing horses! Thank you for sharing both your joy and pain with us. God bless and keep the faith!

  19. Farewell to your sweet sweet companion. My heart breaks for you. I do not have horses but I do have dogs that are like part of the family. So I know how much our four legged friends mean to us. I am so glad you have Apple to carry on. Be Blessed.

  20. Pam deMarrais says:

    Wow…what a wonderful story! I have to agree that Morgan horses are very special. My daughter had an old style Morgan from New England who was as smart as a whip and as sweet as pie. I am so glad that you are getting to raise another one. Thank you for sharing the promise that we will get to see our furry friends in Heaven some day. They are like family, and our God knows the desires of our heart.

  21. Terces says:

    So beautiful. As I read this my beloved Jersey cow who calved on Valentines day, a sweet little girl calf named Cinnamon, is being tested for BLV. I pray it comes back negative for her and for her calf. I’m not ready to let her go.
    I am so moved by your sharing over these past few weeks. You give me courage.
    Love,
    Terces

  22. Mare says:

    Thank you for sharing your most beautiful story of love. Peace

  23. Jan says:

    Shery, I am so sorry for your double loss!! This is a beautiful tribute to your wonderful Dolly. My heart aches for you and tears are rolling down my cheek. Someday I will have to go thru losing my horses too, however I hope it won’t be for quite some time. They are now 7 & 8 years old. Will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
    Apple looks like a dandy. Look forward to all of the special times that you two will have together.

  24. Donna says:

    Soft hugs to you. Love reading your post each and every one.
    I so believe there will be animals in heaven, I will be waiting for my sweet rosebud (my dog)and my sweet horse holly, they were my very best friends.
    Donna

  25. Jeanne says:

    I was such a crying mess I wasn’t able to comment before. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Bluebelle and Dolly were such a joy to read about and the pictures of them are beautiful. Our animals really grab a hold of our heart and become a part of us. Thank you, God for the time you had with them and the joy they brought to you. Thank you for sharing and letting us into your heart as well. Many future blessings to you and your family.

  26. Jan says:

    Once again, dear Shery, you have outdone yourself. I wanted to let you know that I saved a couple of ‘Dolly Cam’ pictures on my computer from one of your previous blogs. I ran across them the other day and as always, they made me smile. How much closer to heaven can you get, than spending time with your dear friend?
    Large hugs to you!

  27. Lisa C. says:

    I am so sorry for your loss. It’s been almost fifteen years since I lost my once in a lifetime horse Traveler. I still miss him. Now I have Sassafras Fizz (Sassy, which she is) and we’re learning to be best friends.

    We don’t replace our once in a lifetime horse, we find a new friend who is a different best friend and realize our hearts are big enough to have more than one in a lifetime.

    Hugs to you Shery.

  28. Lynette says:

    Shery, as I read about your loss of Bluebelle, then the loss of beloved Dolly, I have the biggest lump in my throat and tears streaming down my face wanting to give you the biggest ‘Hug" ever. It is such a hard loss (but the twice), we go on remembering the wonderful joy they brought to us in the time they graced us in their life time. Warm embrace to you!

  29. Bonnie Walker says:

    I put off reading this…I instinctively knew it would bring me to tears. And it did. I don’t have a horse, but if I did, I would like one like Dolly. I don’t live on a ranch, but I lived in Montana 10 years. I have lost a person who was a "Dolly" to me, who helped me grow up, who gave me children, who was always intuitively understanding of my nature, and pushing me towards another horizon. He died four years ago, after a marriage that lasted 46 years. He was adventurous, and would lift his head to any new challenge, unafraid, rather raising his head to ‘catch the wind’. We moved often, always a new adventure. He died quickly, after having taken me to dinner, and to shop for a Valentine gift for me. Just sat down in his chair, said call 911, and slumped over, gone! No warning! He always was unselfish, putting other’s needs before his own. I sense this is true in your Dolly. I grieve with you……and I know the challenges will come. They have for me, and for anyone who suffers during loss. But, allow me to say, you have written a beautiful grief letter. The best I have ever read. One line stands out for me, for you, (with the gifted mentor we learned to love so deeply)…(whether animal or human)…."99% of the wealth of my horse did not come into play until she was in her element"!!! This is my lesson from your piece, and one it is for all alive, still breathing. Cast your face to the headwind, and gallop at full speed! Thank you Sherry for writing this, for sharing with us your life and stories. Indeed, a deep blessing for me.

  30. Karen says:

    Such a beautiful story. Last year I lost what I call my heart dog. A dog that helped me though the unexpected passing of my sister. Her beautiful spirit was there when I needed her to come and rest her head on my lap when my heart was breaking. Just a short time after my sister passed away my beautiful Bella became ill and one month to the day of diagnosis she was gone. My heart broke. Just recently, last month, my husband of 40 years suddenly passed away. My heart is broken once again. We planned a trip out west which now we will never to do. I have a void in my heart that is so large. I too hope that someday I will find another heart dog that will be there by my side, my best friend. I hope you have much joy with your new journey. I too hope someday that my heat will sing again with joy…….

  31. Pamela says:

    Thank you, Shery, I am so very sorry. We are granted all the wonderful days with our animals, and in return we have to go through a few hard ones. How painful, but the reward is worth the pain. Deepest sympathy.

  32. Victoria says:

    Oh Shery……how my heart breaks for you. I do understand what you are going through. I have lost horses, cows (a Jersey milk cow that was MY baby), a mule and many doggies. The last episode was so hard, I truly felt I could not go through it again. It’s just too hard. Good Lord, I still had a wad of tissue here by my computer left over from your last post! Once again, I cried my eyes out for what you are going through. I tried to share with my husband, but just couldn’t get the words out. Gosh darn, life can be tough. I’m sending prayers to my Wyo sis and just wish I were there to give you a hug to squeeze the stuffin’s outta ya!! Love from your SoCal sister, Vikki

  33. cora jo says:

    Oh, Shery. Wow! Cried buckets with you…again. My Bluebellt was dear to me too. I read a piece by Alice Walker once about her witnessing a horse grieve for another. True stuff. Only animal lovers can know this. Apple is beautiful. Glad she is "home" with you.

  34. ROXANNE WARD says:

    So sorry for your loss. Our 4 legged family members are so stitched into our soul that the grieving is all-consuming. Your beautiful horses knew that and you are the now the warrior to send them off in love for happy trails until reunited again with them. Life is so short that only the loving and giving to other equine (all animals)will give us love and guidance to follow our path and make a difference while we are here.

  35. Brenda says:

    I am so sorry Shery. Your post was heartfelt and I have shed some tears but would have read it even if I knew that was what to was to come. They were beautiful horses and I know you will miss them. We have not lost a pet so magnificent but family dogs and even a couple of my chickens have made me quite sad for days. May God bless you with peace of heart and know we all love you because otherwise why would we be here reading and commenting to your sad but also happy story. Of course, by happy, I mean the wonderful times you just shared with all of us that you had with your beloved friend.

  36. Theresa Bondurant says:

    Oh how I cried for you. Putting down a loved one when you know it is the best thing for them is the hardest and losing two loved ones so close together…..my heart is heavy for you. I know getting another loved one helps but it doesn’t take away the intense sadness. We put our beloved dog down and I stayed with him till the complete end and i am glad I did but it was so very hard. We got another rescue within weeks and it helped to have a new love to take care of but the saddness was still there and still is even now upon occasion. when I love, I love deep and Shortie will always be my boy. And I am grateful for him being in my life and grateful to have spent that time with him. Now I know he is in heaven eating all that he wants and playing all that he wants. Love takes care of all.

  37. Ms. Terry Fansler says:

    Dear Sherry,
    I have just read your moving tribute to your beloved horse, Apple Pi Dolly Rose. I recently lost two of my beloved pets, Baxter a Maine Coon Cat and Bruno, a collie, huskie, sheperd mix. They were 14 and 15 years old. I loved them so. I now have two new puppies, a golden/doodle and a labradoodle, both girls! I have always loved horses, but have never owned one. I live on Seabrook Island in South Carolina and we have an equestrian center here which allows me to ride and visit the horses! I have come across your site as I am researching for a novel I am writing and I needed to learn about cattle ranching and calving. I am so happy to have found you and love all the information you share on this topic. I have to admit, I’m very taken with your writings and plan to be a follower of your site! I will be reading as many of your posts as I can in order to learn more about cattle ranching! Thanks so much for sharing your life! Terry Fansler

  38. Christy Foster says:

    A beautiful tribute that brought tears to my soul & heart!
    I had to have my 11 year old daughter BAILEY who owns her own
    gelding Pony of America 14.2 hand horse named "DANDY" read the rest as
    her Mom was so choked up reading:(
    My daughters #1 Love is her boy!
    Thank you for a most fascinating story of your lives.
    As a mom who dreamt of having horses be my world young, I was unable to until my daughter
    got the bug @ age 4! Now I’m turning 49 & just going to start riding for first to my daughters desire
    I join & have this love shared as a bonding unity.
    Thank you, Christy &Bailey

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The Fairest Belle

Our fairest belle crossed the rainbow bridge as softly as a gentle summer shower … a few days ago. ‘Quiet’ was her way and quietly she left. No thunder or lightening, no drama. She left us like she lived with us … a horse of ‘peace & quiet’.

The good Lord blessed our family with a perfect horse. Yes, perfect.

Continue reading

  1. Suzy says:

    such a beautiful post. we had a mare named muggins, i am sure from the virginian. She was the kid horse. us 70 year olds still look at her pictures with fondness

  2. Kristy says:

    A tribute as beautiful as she was. Why are ‘great horses’ buried in that fashion?

    Kristy asked: Why are "great Horses" buried in that fashion?

    ————-

    I answered: Thank you **EVERYONE** for your kind thoughts and tender words of comfort :o) Thank you so much.

    Actually, many humans are buried like this too…some vertical and some laid down. It began with humans. The idea behind it comes from this Bible promise: Believers in Jesus will be raised/resurrected when the Lord Jesus appears in the sky … having come for believers at the Rapture (not to be confused with His 2nd coming). The Rapture is not THE 2nd return; the Rapture happens *before* His 2nd return. Described in scripture this way: "Those who are dead shall be raised first and then those of us who are alive at that time will changed in the blink of an eye." It will be a rescue, an evacuation, believers shall be taken to the Heavenly’ refuge’ before the Great Tribulation begins – spoken of in the book of Revelation. SOoo, with all of that in mind, people (those who believe in Jesus) wanted to be buried and to bury their loved ones facing the East as a loving reminder that they will be facing east, which scripture describes this way: Christ brilliantly appears in the east like the rising sun. Now, somewhere in time, it also became customary to bury a beloved horse in like manner – namely war horses who gave their all on the battlefield and who were beloved by their riders. From there it spread to other horse lovers … and especially cowboys. Many Christians believe in the resurrection of *ALL* life – not just human life. One verse describes it this way, "All Creation travaileth, groaning, waiting for our deliverance" — as in collective living beings. Many, many, many Bible scholars (of old and recent experts too) support this belief which is a great comfort to believers who dearly love their animals because … "All things bright & beautiful, all things great & small, all things wise & wonderful, the Lord God made them all."     – Shery J

  3. Cindy says:

    I am so very sorry. My thoughts are with you. You gave Bluebelle a beautiful life, it shows in her eyes and your lovely tribute post to her. Rest in peace, sweet Bluebelle.

  4. Christy says:

    Oh Shery,
    I am so very sorry for your loss. It will take a long time for the pain to ease, but it will, and then when you think of your lovely Bluebelle you will smile with a heart full of memories. I lost my beloved 12 year old St Bernard just before Christmas and I truly thought that my heart might never sing again. But it has become somewhat easier with the passage of time, and I assure you it will for you too. What a wonderful life she had , and the memories of her will comfort you in the days ahead. I promise. My thoughts and prayers are with you. And they come with a warm hug of understanding.

  5. terry says:

    It’s true, some of us haven’t experienced the fortune or true joy of horse ownership. But thank you Shery for sharing your heart and the character of this beautiful horse, Bluebelle.

  6. Alice says:

    So very sorry for your loss. Bluebelle was an extraordinary being and I thank you for providing a glimpse into her life. Once in a lifetime, if we’re lucky, we are graced by an angel in the form of a loving animal who possesses an uncanny grace, intuition and intelligence as Bluebelle did. Anyone whose life has been touched by such an incredible and devoted friend feels your pain and cries with you. I know I am. May the passage of time ease the pain of your loss.

  7. Maureen says:

    Eloquent as always. Big Hugs.

  8. Ann says:

    Shery
    Will pray for you. I know how your heart aches.
    I lost 2 such horses in my life time so far.
    My first pony who would wait at the door while I changed from school clothes to play.
    The other was my quarter horse who was the dearest horse. I’m thankful to say she gave me 2 foals which we still have.
    Freedom is the air we feel blowing between the ears of the horse we ride.
    Ann

  9. Carol Norwood says:

    Shery … I’m so touched by your beautiful tribute to Bluebelle. It brought me to tears. Unfortunately, I cannot relate because I did not, nor do I, have horses in my life. I learned a lot from your post though. I truly learned about the love between you and your beloved Bluebelle. God Bless You! Carol

  10. Ruth says:

    My heart and thoughts are with you Shery. You wrote a beautiful tribute to your loyal and steadfast friend. I am with you in spirit. Peace and blessings to you.

  11. Dana says:

    I cried like a baby reading this. I understand what you are feeling. Horses touch a special place in our soul that can only be understood by those who have experienced the joy of that unique bond. The Winston Churchill quote always sticks with me in these moments. " There’s nothing better for the inside of a man than the outside of a horse." My prayers and sympathies to you in your time of grief

  12. bonnie ellis says:

    Shery: I am crying with you. I had a morgan horse once. He was wonderful. I still miss him. Belle blessed you in so many ways. Be glad you had her for so long. I wish I was there to give you farmgirl hugs. God Bless.

  13. Erika R. says:

    I am a farmgirl follower on Facebook and had to read your story when I saw the post. Oh my dear, how heart wrenching and heart warming all at the same time. She sounds like a beautiful creature that brought joy and light into this life for a while. Sorry about your loss and shedding a tear with you.

  14. LaJuan Lee says:

    What a beautiful tribute to one of God’s most regal of His creations. Now, that the tears stopped their flow, I feel your joy of having had her in your life. You were truely blessed. And, as well, she to have you. She is not gone….she is just away….

  15. Great article; I enjoyed it. Learned some things … about horses, Morgans in particular … how to "do" a lantern with battery-lights (love it!), etc. Love your photos, too. 🙂

  16. Adrienne says:

    What a lovely eulogy for a beloved member of your family. I’m sure she knew she was cherished and shared the affection. Thank you for telling her story.

  17. Such a beautiful story and tribute to your loved Bluebelle! Wishing you peace. X

  18. meredith says:

    Shery, My heart is broken for you . I have been in your shoes and they are not comfortable. You were right about Bluebelle giving you such a gift to go quietly on her own- we arent usually that fortunate, are we? She will remain in your heart forever, and you will meet again, I am sure of it. Love, Meredith

  19. Mary Carl says:

    Oh Shery,
    What a beautiful tribute to Bluebelle. I too have experienced the loss of an equine friend. Like you I feel blessed to have known him. Best wishes to you from our little cabin in Montana where the seed catalogues hold the seat of honor at the table…ready to be spread out across the table and "marked" with the red pen. I can’t wait for spring! Fondly, Mary

  20. Kim Denn says:

    Shery,

    Losing a horse is like no other pain. You have done a great justice to your dear Bluebelle with these caring words. She sounds like, as you say, a great horse. The adventures shared in your blog are something most people will never know. I’ll never ever forget the morning I discovered that my beloved Mohawk had passed during the night. He was 26 years old and we had been together for 20 years and 360 days. It still hurts but there are three wonderful, nickering horses waiting in their stalls right now for me to slog my way through this spring time blizzard to give them hay and water before bedtime. My sympathies to you and thank you for sharing. -Kim

  21. Phyllis Y says:

    Wonderfully written. It both brought tears to my eyes, & then a smile to my face! We all know how an animal can be not only a real part of our family, but also be a part of our hearts. You explained this feeling in such a heartfelt manner, so we could all feel it with you. Your animals are blessed to own you

  22. Jan says:

    Shery, I am so sorry for your loss of Bluebelle, What a lovely memorial to her life. She was a very special horse for sure! How blessed you were to have had her in your life. I remember when my very dear mare passed away, I was heart broken for a very long time. Horses are one of the most wonderful of God’s creatures.
    I love the picture of the little lamb with the doggie coat on, so cute!!
    My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  23. Louise Marie says:

    What a precious animal. i cried so hard at your beautiful words about Bluebelle. i believe, also, that you will meet her again in heaven. i cannot believe that our Lord would not provide for an animal as wonderful as she. Thank you for the ending of your story, for bringing me back from my cry and back to the living world. You are a great blogger, especially when your subject touches your heart. i am sending you a warm hug. God bless you and yours.

  24. Joan says:

    Shery, condolences on your physical loss but your memories will live forever. You were blessed with a most precious ‘love’ and she was blessed by having you in her life. God Bless.

  25. Lloyd Patten says:

    I am a horse fan and although I have never owned a horse, I am keenly attuned to stories, and movies about them. One of my favorite movies is The Horse Whisperer with Robert Redford.

    I was taken by your gentle and poetic-like descriptions of Bluebelle and her friends. I had not been familiar with the Morgan strain but I am aware of the role quarter horses have played in the west. While I was aware of the Morgan breed, I had no idea of the extent they were used as work horses on ranches. What magnificent animals. I wish I could own one.
    My life is far too managed to allow for the likes of a horse. It is my loss, not to have such a friend. Maybe God will have Morgans as the official work horse of Heaven, or maybe they won’t have to work anymore and just enjoy their lives, but I imagine that some of them would search out humans and ask to be their friends. Wouldn’t that be something.

    Thanks for being who you are and bringing this story here for us to enjoy. I have enjoyed my trip down Bluebelle lane. Please do not give up writing, you are so good at it. Please bring us some more stories about ranch life, which includes Dolly as well.

    Goodbye.

  26. Diane Van Horn says:

    Shery,
    Thank you for this beautiful post and a good cry. I am so sorry for your loss. Bluebelle was an amazing soul. Run free with the wind, Bluebelle.

  27. Jan says:

    Sending you some Farmgirl love. What a beautiful, faithful steed…We all are shedding some tears about this loss. I loved hearing about faithful Dolly…
    Spring is coming and the bluebells will bloom…

  28. Janet says:

    Shery,
    So very sorry for your loss. Wishing you peace,
    Janet

  29. Phyllis Lindblade says:

    Thank you. Reading about Bluebelle I felt I was reading about my Morgan – he was with me for 32 years and no other horse has ever compared.

  30. Victoria says:

    Dear Shery,
    I’m sitting here crying my eyes out and grabbing at the tissues…oh my, I can relate. I’ve lost beloved horses, mules, cows and dogs in my life. It just hurts sooo bad and although time does heal, a sweet story like what you have been so gracious to share, brings all of those memories streaming back like a strong tide. So, I cry. But like you, I am confident that someday we will be reunited with those loved ones once again. Oh happy day! Thank you for sharing such a precious experience. Bless your heart.

  31. Rene Foust says:

    What a beautiful horse, so sorry for your loss.

  32. Margaret says:

    Shery, I was also moved by your tribute to "BlueBelle". My own horse from 40 years ago "Smokey Joe" was part morgan and so much fun but you could put a child on him and he just tippee toed around. Many times when I am stressed or tired I just close my eyes and take a ride on him thru the Nebraska pastures we rode in stopping on top of the highest points looking out at the sights. It is still just a vivid today as it was in the 1960’s. Bluebelle will always be with you in mind a spirit just as Smokey is with me.

    Enjoy your spring it will be here soon.

  33. Theresa Bondurant says:

    I truly understand that grateful sadness. I lost my beloved doggie in November and still miss him. I feel so
    blessed that he came to live with us and we were so lucky
    to have him. He was such a kind soul. My thoughts and love
    is with you even though we don’t know each other. I can tell by ALL your posts that if we lived near each other we would be great friends…………

  34. Amy I says:

    Hi Shery,
    I just read your blog. I thought I was the only one with horses like that…identical. Chico…my 1956 Montana mare,Chico, a Morgan out of the remounts of Miles City Montana…I had her from the time she was 4 unti she was 27 and died in my arms during the night. Buried in Utah my old place. My best friend. I’m bawling my eyes out writing this…it’s very hard.
    Her daughter, Pica (means little girl in Norwegian), she lived till the ripe ole age of 34, she’s buried in Washington, our last station. My heart breaks in a million pieces because my Air Force heritage does not allow us to stay in one place too long, at least until now. those two horses took me across the wheat fields of Montana and into the cutting arenas on the intermountain circuit. Chico took me to high school and college rodeo, Great Falls and Bozeman MT, my $109 horse was never out of the finals and I have a precious buckle. I just lost her granddaughter two years ago April. Sophie was 25. I always have a big enough horse trailer to get them all to wherever in one trip. Been up to a 6 horse but today am down to a 3 horse..that’s how many girls I have now. And they all look just like yours. Except for Chico, the first one. She was an honest to God blood bay, the color of merlot wine. Pica would get a touch on her neck during the winter but closer to your girls once she shed off. I still have my bays, silly me. they are quarter horses but to be totally honest if I could find those morgan horses like you have had I would be on the road so fast you wouldn’t see daylight. I would give it all to have those two girls back again. If you have a person who could connect me, I’m ready! I’m pushing 67 this year and finally building the last homestead!! I’m 32 miles short of the Idaho border in northern Utah, we planted alfalfa last late summer…our first crop and my fingers are crossed. this summer the barn and the house go in and I retire from the Air Force. I have had a long and wonderful life with them but it’s time to land the plane and pop the canopy. Still have my original saddle that came with Chico, it was made out of one hide from a family saddlery in Georgia. I’m still riding that and the one I bought in 71…great cutting, roping and stuff saddle. I’d love to meet you, we could trade some great tales about our girls.
    It does my heart good to know that you had that same closeness…there is nothing like it. My best to you and live long!! Amy I Meighan

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