It is often said that ranch kids have an understanding about life beyond their years. Reproduction, birth, life and death are experienced daily. Without blushing, laughter or tears, ranch kids witness life in its rawest form.
To say it simply, we raise livestock to feed people and to make a living. It is known early on that without death, there is no meat. Without meat, there is no ranch. They take this fact honestly and without judgement. But this certainly doesn't preclude them from a lack of attachment or respect to all animals. The opposite is true. Life lessons are often hard, stark and painful.
We are saying goodbye to our daughters' 23-year-old horse Chico. Chico is Spanish for "boy." Or as I liked to call him "Little Boy." There was nothing little about Chico. Long torso and even longer legs, Chico stood 16 hands tall. His big body carried an even bigger heart. He loved his job until the very end. Every horse deserves to be loved once in their life by a little girl. Chico was loved by many.
Before we owned him, Chico was Maddi Huber's high school rodeo barrel horse. She was getting ready to head to college and was not planning on taking him with. Ellen Huber and Renae Smith approached me about the possibility of purchasing Chico. Ellen said, "I like how your girls ride, and I know that he will be in the best of hands." That was one of the biggest compliments I have ever received. Subsequently we loaded him up and took him home.
What Chico taught Brooklyn and Haley is immeasurable. No matter the conditions, the arena, the weather or the size of venue, Chico took care of my girls. He taught them how to be humble in winning and gracious in defeat. It's hard to understand teamwork until your partner is a 1200 pound free spirit.
If you know me at all, you know that tears come to my eyes with very little frequency. I have never been accused of being an emotional person. Tears stream down my face as I think about looking out my window and not seeing the big black silhouette. With heavy hearts, we say goodbye. Run free my "little boy" where the grass is lush, green and stirrup high. I guarantee your entry fees are paid.
Sara
To say it simply, we raise livestock to feed people and to make a living. It is known early on that without death, there is no meat. Without meat, there is no ranch. They take this fact honestly and without judgement. But this certainly doesn't preclude them from a lack of attachment or respect to all animals. The opposite is true. Life lessons are often hard, stark and painful.
We are saying goodbye to our daughters' 23-year-old horse Chico. Chico is Spanish for "boy." Or as I liked to call him "Little Boy." There was nothing little about Chico. Long torso and even longer legs, Chico stood 16 hands tall. His big body carried an even bigger heart. He loved his job until the very end. Every horse deserves to be loved once in their life by a little girl. Chico was loved by many.
Before we owned him, Chico was Maddi Huber's high school rodeo barrel horse. She was getting ready to head to college and was not planning on taking him with. Ellen Huber and Renae Smith approached me about the possibility of purchasing Chico. Ellen said, "I like how your girls ride, and I know that he will be in the best of hands." That was one of the biggest compliments I have ever received. Subsequently we loaded him up and took him home.
What Chico taught Brooklyn and Haley is immeasurable. No matter the conditions, the arena, the weather or the size of venue, Chico took care of my girls. He taught them how to be humble in winning and gracious in defeat. It's hard to understand teamwork until your partner is a 1200 pound free spirit.
If you know me at all, you know that tears come to my eyes with very little frequency. I have never been accused of being an emotional person. Tears stream down my face as I think about looking out my window and not seeing the big black silhouette. With heavy hearts, we say goodbye. Run free my "little boy" where the grass is lush, green and stirrup high. I guarantee your entry fees are paid.
Sara
So sorry for your family's loss, Sara. Sounds like "little boy" had a huge impact on all of your family members. Wonderful pictures of your daughter and her buddy. Thanks for sharing! Mary Beth
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