Once in a lifetime, there’s a horse who makes an indelible imprint on your heart. For me, this horse was “Squiggy,” the palomino gelding who came to me at what most might consider old (26). He was an invaluable lesson horse that later went on to teach my own children how to ride. Some of Squiggy’s first students are now grown, some went on to become World Champions, and several now ride in college on equestrian teams, competing in all kinds of events and disciplines, all built upon the foundation that began on his back.
Throughout his career, Squiggy earned his place in every life he touched. He wasn’t just special to our family, he was special to so many other families as well. He was “the first horse experience” for so many people who were privileged to learn from his gentle wisdom. He helped others transform all kinds of riding anxieties into confidence and learn to ride properly (if you didn’t, he’d let you know about it, but only in the kindest and most mannerly ways).
Above all, Squiggy has been that once-in-a-lifetime horse to me and my family. My daughters both took their first ride on his back as soon as they could sit up and long before they could walk! Family, friends, all who needed a kind, safe, well-mannered horse to learn from, Squiggy took care of them all, even while challenging them once they were ready to learn and grow as riders and as human beings.
Our family—and the entire 4Hearts Family—was heartbroken to lose Squiggy this year at the ripe old age of 39. While I know you’re probably thinking “well that is pretty old,” I can assure you that 13 years was not enough time with Squiggy, and they went by way too fast. He had a good run, and his gentle soul, great mind, and persnickety spirit (in all the best ways) left a lasting impression on too many hearts to count.
Squiggy went out the same way he lived each day, on his own terms. The night before his passing, his ears were perked up and he nickered at us while he waited for his bucket to be emptied and cleaned. (He would only eat if his bucket had no remnants of his previous meal, and do NOT dare try to water his food down because he would just turn up his nose and hunger strike!) After dinner, he eagerly went out to his turn-out pasture with his two best friends Mini Magic and Big Mac, and he took a big drink from his waterer before going about his nightly business of roaming and grazing. Then, sometime e during the night, Squiggy laid down and went to sleep in his green pasture, surrounded by his buddies and under the glorious blanket of stars that covered our ranch. Squiggy left us peacefully sometime during that sleep. No drama, no suffering, no terrible decision for me to make (and believe me I was dreading what I thought would be that inevitable moment).
As horse owners who are privileged to know and deeply care for these magnificent beings into their golden years, especially those who have given us so much over their time with us, we know how fortunate we are if, when God calls them home, they go so peacefully. And while I count this among the many blessings Squiggy brought into my life and the life of my family, there’s not a day that goes by when I don’t miss him and express prayers of gratitude for this special equine partner and friend. Godspeed, Squiggy.
