4/11/2009

Harley Darling

Harley was my best friend, we were rarely very far apart. He liked to play pranks on me and I liked to tease him about his looks by messing up his mane. I would say that he was all looks and no brains, but that wasn't true.


Although you can see from the pictures he was indeed very handsome. Harley was also very smart and brave. He loved finding new things to investigate and toys to play with. Harley also thought his paddock was a "no fly zone", if a horsefly landed on him he ran to the paddock thinking the fly would have to leave...we would laugh at him for that.


Harley was always trying to get me to try new things. Like helping the DOR with her mucking. One evening when I was eating hay Harley took the blue tarp that the DOR had hung up to get me used to it and he started sliding it up and down the panel...I ran and he giggled at me. Harley told me I was a bit of a "girlie man".


I found that I had more courage when Harley was by my side. I could even manage to eat treats off of the blue tarp. If Harley could do something I would give it my best try. He was a patient teacher and I appreciated that. On his good days Harley would challenge me to a race, darn if he didn't beat me every time. He liked to play "bite face" and we would stand for hours grooming each other.
Harley also taught me there are times when you just have to express yourself. That a butt turned in the right direction would let the DOR know that we were not amused.


A well timed raspberry is also a good DOR training tool.
I always made sure that Salty would allow Harley to eat all he wanted. Harley and I liked to dine together...I am still keeping Salty out of Harley's spot at the hay bale.
I will miss you Harley. Who is going to tease me, make sure I learn to be brave, and help me teach the DOR manners? I am going on my first trail ride with the DOR this afternoon...keep an eye on us my friend, I plan on making you proud.
I know that you are now running on four good legs, looking mighty fine.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR

18 comments:

Leah Fry said...

I am so SO sorry for your loss, Jack and Syndi. I don't even know what to say. Enjoy each other today.

Florida Beach Basics said...

A lovely, loving tribute. A good thing Jack and DOR have each other for comfort. marge

Amanda said...

To lose a beautiful young horse to navicular IS JUST NOT RIGHT!! There has to be a way to prevent this!

Sherry Sikstrom said...

So sorry for your loss,. What a beautiful homage to a lovely hoses and clearly a good kind friend .Hugs to you both

Jocelyn said...

I am so sorry for your loss!

HE was such a beautiful horse!

Jessica said...

Beautifully written. So very sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

Oh no..I am so sorry to read this...My sympathies to you..

Grey Horse Matters said...

So sorry to hear about Harley. What a shame. Hope you and Jack are bearing up under your grief, at least you have each other to turn to now.

Andrea said...

Jack, you are so right, Harley is beautiful! He looked like he was a wonderful friend. You were so nice to stand up for him. I am sorry Harley isn't there to be with you anymore. I too hope he is running happy on all four good feet!

Good luck on your trail ride, it sounds like fun!

Paint Girl said...

I am so sorry for your loss of your beautiful Harley!

Split Rock Ranch said...

Sorry for your loss. Jack, be kind to your DOR, he's going through a really tough time right now and so are you so maybe you can help each other through this. Harley will be there waiting for you when it is time for you to cross The Rainbow Bridge. Be sure to remember everything Harley taught you so you can show him what a fantastic teacher he was. Make Harley and your DOR proud! Big hugs all the way around.

Arija said...

Losing a good friend is tough...I am so sorry. There is juat nothing more I can say.

Laughing Orca Ranch said...

For some odd reason the two of them reminded me of the Dukes of Hazard guys. Good looking dudes, both of them.

What a touching tribute to a very special horse. So sorry about your loss. Goodbye Harley. You will be missed. :(


~Lisa

Lux said...

Harley is so beautiful - I'm so sorry you've lost a good friend.

Purrs,
Luxie

Betty said...

I am so sorry about Harley he was beautiful and a good friend.

I am a bit sore but I am glad I am taking the class. I have lost 30 pounds and lowerd all of my insulin 2 units each.

mommanator said...

SO sorry for your loss. What else can be said.
Great tribute

Girl Tornado said...

I am SO very sorry to hear you lost Harley... I am sure Jack and you are missing him terribly.

Big hugs to both of you...
~Susan

Victoria Cummings said...

Grandpa was right about helping a loved one leave this earth. I'm so sorry to learn about Harley. You're going to make him proud, Jack, and I know that you and the DOR are really going to miss him. My heart goes out to you.

 

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