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Post by mykingdomforahorse on Dec 23, 2007 2:15:21 GMT -5
Takoda, my beloved and very missed boy, was my first horse and my first Arab. He was three legged lame after another episode in a long history of founder, and needed a home. He had a history of laminitis and founder since age 7 or 8 years old. We rescued him at age 18 from going to auction when his owners, going through a divorce and needing to sell their ranch (and the only owners he'd had in his life before us, besides his breeder) couldn't keep him any longer, and were going to send him to auction if he wasn't rehomed. They were frantic, as they absolutely *loved* this horse and didn't know what else to do. I don't think they could bear the thought of euthanizing him, and I sincerely believe they had no knowledge of slaughter and the dangers of the auctions, as they were just horse lovers and trail riders like my husband and I. They wanted a more hands-on approach to his new home than an auction would've allowed. They interviewed me extensively, and conducted a site check to be sure Takoda would be safe and happy in his new home. I was their only home prospect, but still they were so careful with this beloved horse. I'll never forget how the woman cried as she handed over her only photos of Takoda. Being older and not computer savvy, she later cried with joy after my husband scanned those photos onto a disk for us, and gave her back her photos so she'd always have a keepsake. I tried to keep in touch with her, so she could always know Takoda was safe and loved, but she moved and changed numbers and disappeared. I think it was too painful for her to stay attached to this wonderful horse. We boarded Takoda for a year while we built our facilities, and I did extensive research into his condition. After finding a wonderful barefoot trimmer, and using the Jaime Jackson mustang trim, along with the removal of his shoes for good, he was pain free and sound until he passed this July at 21 years old after going down in the middle of the night due to strangulation colic. He was the horse of my heart and my best buddy. I know us horse lovers love all of our horses, but every once in awhile a horse comes along that seems to have a direct line to our hearts and minds, existing on the same wavelength. Takoda was one of those horses. The first time I laid eyes on him, he literally took my breath away. It didn't take long for him to take my heart, also. Here are photos of Takoda from a foal at the breeder's on through the years. The one amazing photo of him running was going to be cut to fit into a photo frame by his prior owner, but she never got around to it. I need to learn photoshop so I can edit out the lines. But I'll include it regardless because it's so beautiful. The last two photos are of him coming home to our facilities, and a photo from May 2007.        |
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Post by mykingdomforahorse on Dec 23, 2007 4:40:19 GMT -5
I just realized this post should be in the RIP section, only I don't know how to move it ... thanks to who does.
Em
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Post by gratefulknits on Dec 23, 2007 12:02:19 GMT -5
Oh, Em, he was just lovely. It's neat that you were given the photos of his earlier years; with most of our rescues we only get to imagine those things! I know that Takoda is watching you from across the Bridge, glowing with pride over your continued love and thoughts of him.  |
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Post by watermarkfarm on Dec 23, 2007 14:39:29 GMT -5
I am all teary-eyed seeing his whole life in pictures ----- from cherished show horse to your buddy. I am sorry that you lost him....He was a lucky boy to have had you.
We have an old Arab show horse here. He was shown in huge Arab shows, and he landed with us at age 24. Kind of the same thing, headed for a dark place because of owners who knew no better. He is now 29 and very crippled. I had never owned an Arab before and was kind of snobby about them, but Nadeemah sure changed all that.
Go, Arabs, go!!
Katie
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Post by rocky on Dec 23, 2007 14:54:25 GMT -5
What a dear one!!
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Post by mykingdomforahorse on Dec 23, 2007 16:38:53 GMT -5
Thank you! Yes, he still remains one of the most beautiful horses I've ever seen in person ... but he was also beautiful inside. I found it very telling last night to realize I'd put him in the live horses section. It's so hard to let go. I miss him terribly. Those photos of him are amongst my most prized posessions. Yes, so neat to see his youth and history when usually we have no idea. He's the only one I have a history on or photos of from foalhood. When I first received the photos, I was amazed at how much he'd changed -- Takoda had socks back then, but as an adult he had no white on him, except for his star. Even his mane was a different color. I do look forward to him waiting there for me when it's my time to go! The thought of seeing my animal babies again takes some of the fear out of death. Sometimes I look outside at night and for a split second, I swear I see him standing there in his old spot, keeping guard over the younger geldings sleeping at his feet.  We used to call him "mommy", because he took his watch over the younger ones very seriously. Em Oh, Em, he was just lovely. It's neat that you were given the photos of his earlier years; with most of our rescues we only get to imagine those things! I know that Takoda is watching you from across the Bridge, glowing with pride over your continued love and thoughts of him. |
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Post by mykingdomforahorse on Dec 23, 2007 16:51:10 GMT -5
Thank you, Katie! So then we're even -- I too follow all the blog entries on Argus with a box of tissues next to me. It's been a busy weekend, but I had made a mental note to tell you how much I love the updates -- it would make a great book -- and how much I LOVE the photos, especially the one of Argus and Ridge, where Argus looks like his back legs are crossed and he's a relaxing gentleman hanging out with his buddy. It's just too dear! Argus is so lucky to have *you*. I do miss Takoda every single day ... but I still feel him around here, and it's a big comfort. Your older Arab sounds like a character too, just like Takoda. I love the older boys. So much wisdom and personality! I love all different kinds of horses, but I love how in tune and vocal the Arabs are! More like big dogs than horses, lol! Em I am all teary-eyed seeing his whole life in pictures ----- from cherished show horse to your buddy. I am sorry that you lost him....He was a lucky boy to have had you. We have an old Arab show horse here. He was shown in huge Arab shows, and he landed with us at age 24. Kind of the same thing, headed for a dark place because of owners who knew no better. He is now 29 and very crippled. I had never owned an Arab before and was kind of snobby about them, but Nadeemah sure changed all that. Go, Arabs, go!! Katie |
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Post by mykingdomforahorse on Dec 23, 2007 16:58:17 GMT -5
Thank you! He really was -- or, IS. I'll always wish I had more time with him. Three years went by so fast. I never thought I wouldn't have him around until at least thirty ... but, it was Cloud's turn. Cloud is very dear to my heart, also, and being an Arab, reminds me of Takoda every day. So strange to think that "our" horses are out there right this minute, dependent on and belonging to someone else! I was 21 years old when Takoda was born, and I had a horse and didn't even know it!  Em |
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We used to call him "mommy", because he took his watch over the younger ones very seriously.