ACE...THEN and NOW
I would like to begin by introducing myself, my name is Ace. I am a 16 year old Quarter Horse who is now retired because I am crippled due to having high ring bone, but we will get into that a bit later. I'd like to tell you the story of my life in the good ole days. It was busy and fulfilling to say the least....
Several years ago, I was purchased along with another Quarter Horse by a gentleman in Datil, New Mexico. He was a rancher and a kind man. I was given the opportunity to do what I did best, and that was work cows. The rancher and I were generally the ones who went to round up the strays, so we usually had to cover a lot of country. My rancher was married, his wife loved to go along, but due to a rare muscle disease she lacked the strength to do much and she wasn't the most secure of riders.
This is where I came in. The rancher gave me to his wife and with my assistance she was able to work more cows and cover more country than she ever did on any other horse she had ever ridden. It is my understanding that I earned a very difficult title from my rancher and that was "REAL HONEST COW HORSE". Let me tell you that sure made me feel good to hear, as all I ever wanted to do was my best.
Well enough of that, now where was I? Oh yes, my ranchers mother and daughter lived a few hours away and they would come out to visit visit us. His mother had a heart condition and the altitude up there was difficult for her most times. Many times, she would watch us all ride out and I could see the desire in her face wanting to be part of this. One day, I overheard the rancher's mother and daughter talking about their family history and the life in the old ranch days. The next day the rancher's mother woke up early and told everyone to go for a ride, this was my favorite thing to do so I was ready for another adventure.
When we returned, there was the rancher's mother at the gate waiting. I noticed she was not dressed in her usual attire, but she had on riding clothes. With a twinkle in her eye she asked he son if she could borrow that old horse for a little turn in the pasture. She was pointing at ME!!!! We didn't go out for long but I took care of her. Once we got back, I had my picture taken with her. She had been asked how it felt to ride after so many years? She sort of laughed and said something to the effect that she had beaten out her mother by a few years making her now the oldest one on a horse in her family. I found out then that she was 81 years old. She went on to say it felt pretty good and that I had made her very happy. I was sure glad I could do that for her.
A few years later, my rancher decided he had to sell me because I am so large that it was getting difficult for his wife to get on me. I was brought to Nevada and was sold to a young man to be his first horse. It was my understanding at the time, when the young man didn't want me anymore I was suppose to go back to the rancher's daughter, who now lived in Nevada also. Needless to say that did not happen.
The young man used me for roping and trail riding things I really enjoyed doing. My young man however did not understand that I was in pain and that it was difficult for me to move, but I did what was asked of me because all I wanted to do was please. I guess my young man got tired of having to deal with me and my problem. "Being Crippled". I didn't mean for it to happen. I was given up to RESPECT, a horse rescue in Las Vegas.
I stayed with a wonderful foster family for awhile. They did everything they could for me but, it was time for me to move on. They needed the room for more severe cases than mine. Which brings me to my new home, Miracle Horse Rescue, Inc. They wanted me, and they were just going to let me rest and live out my life.
I have often wondered what happened to my rancher and his family. I found out that not too long ago, my new family received a telephone call from my rancher's daughter. She had seen a photo of me in a newspaper and recognized me!! She sent my new family picture and told them all about me and what I use to do.
Guess what? My rancher's daughter is even going to come and visit me. I know that I am not the way she remembers me, but inside my heart and mind are still the same. She and her family have given me fond memories as I did for them.
Horses like Ace are made. They are the products of breeding programs geared at creating a life that will fill a particular need. They go where they are led, eat what they are given, and carry men and women to greatness. We owe it to all the Ace's out there the ultimate in care and consideration. They deserve no less, they are not objects, but living, feeling beings trying to get along in their man made world.
Update
Today, December 12th, 2001 was a very sad day at Miracle Horse Rescue. Our big beautiful Ace was put down for his final rest. His crippling condition of Advanced High Ringbone had taken its toll on him. He had finally reached the point where the pain was constant and no matter what was done for him it no longer worked. You could see that he was hurting and not just by the way he moved, but in his beautiful brown eyes.
This was a very difficult decision for Robert and me and dealing with the emotions of this decision have been diffcult...but we both knew it was the best for Ace. It was not fair for him to live daily suffering. The cold weather made it worse for him and he was lying down more often to alleviate the pain he felt in his front legs. He was letting us know in the only ways that he could that he was tired of hurting and that he was ready.
Our barn which is usually filled with horsey noises and activity was very solemn throughout the morning and mid afternoon.....it was as if they knew.
Ace knew.
Robert and I walked him out together. The tears and the hurt we both had were for Ace. He gave man everything he had and what did man do for him? As we approached our veterinarian Ace's steps slowed, he stopped and looked up with his ears forward. Ace looked so calm and ever so beautiful. That is the way we want to remember him. We know that he is running through fields of clover, playing with others;
He is at peace never to feel the pain he endured in the life that was cut so short.
I'll lend you for a little while
My grandest foal, he said.
For you to love while he's alive
And mourn for when he's dead
It may be one or twenty years,
or days or months, you see.
But will you, till I take him back
Take care of him for me?
Don't cry for the horses
that life has set free
A million white horses forever to be
Look up into heaven
You'll see them above
The horses we lost
The horses we loved
Do you hear that soft nicker
Close to your ear?
Don't cry for the horses
Love the ones that are here.
(author unknown)
