Tuesday, January 18, 2011

RB - 1985 to 2011

Yesterday, January 17, 2011, a long-time and very dear friend of mine passed away. RB was an Appaloosa gelding, and for almost his whole life belonged to my friend Cheryl. He was just two days shy of 26 -- a long life for a horse.

Although he'd been retired for several years, RB was always in the center of social activity. He never failed to greet me -- or anyone else -- when arriving at his barn. He continued to boss around his best horse-friend, demand treats and attention from the humans, and issue orders. It was impossible to ignore RB and equally impossible not to be taken in by his outgoing personality.

Although he could be a challenge, requiring his rider to stay alert and be a strong leader, he was talented and athletic. He had a cadence to his trot that was both lovely to watch and sit, and he excelled at lateral work. Dressage suited him, keeping his intelligent mind busy and focused.


I will miss his bright eyes and loud, friendly whinny, but I believe he is romping in green pastures now with my own Tiki and Brinn.
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14 comments:

  1. AnnetteJanuary 18, 2011 at 2:12 PM

    I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, Susan. Sounds like you were truly blessed to know RB.

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  2. Susan SchreyerJanuary 18, 2011 at 5:22 PM

    Thank you, Annette. He was a special guy and gave many of us wonderful memories.

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  3. EricksonJanuary 18, 2011 at 11:56 PM

    love the topic, I had fun reading it coz I'm a horse lover too but just a beginner one so right now I just keep on collection information that would be helpful for me in my new love.

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  4. Susan SchreyerJanuary 19, 2011 at 5:38 AM

    Once you fall in love with horses it's in your blood forever, Erickson! You're wise to collect information. Enjoy your new-found love.

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  5. Fran StewartJanuary 22, 2011 at 6:46 AM

    I'm not a horse-person, Susan. But I'm a cat person, and your eulogy of RB could just as easily have applied to my Panther, who died a year ago. Loving our animal companions means heartache when they leave, but oh, the joy while they are with us makes it all worthwhile.

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  6. Susan SchreyerJanuary 22, 2011 at 7:32 AM

    I'm a cat person as well as a horse person, Fran. They're every bit as special -- as are all our pets. My sympathies on the loss of your Panther.

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  7. Hywela LynJanuary 23, 2011 at 4:53 AM

    So sorry to hear of the death of your friend, Susan, he sounds like a very special horse. I'm still mourning the loss of my little endurance mare Sally, not to mention, Flikka, her daughter Star, taken much too early, and Mr Fifty. I immortalised Sal in my novella 'Dancing With Fate', a fantasy. I imagine them all playing together in Trapalanda, or over the Rainbow Bridge whichever legend you prefer. I'm sure your horses are there too, greeting RB and showing him the ropes.

    He looks such a beautiful horse (I love Appies) and obviously loved his work. He'll live on forever, in your heart.

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  8. Susan SchreyerJanuary 23, 2011 at 7:46 AM

    Thanks so much for your kind words, Hywela. I see you've shared the company of many wonderful horses yourself. We never forget them. I love how you've immortalized yours! What a wonderful idea!

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  9. Horse RugsFebruary 3, 2011 at 5:56 AM

    Susan,

    So sorry to hear of the loss of RB.

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  10. Susan SchreyerFebruary 3, 2011 at 10:14 PM

    Thank you for your thoughts. He had a long life with people who loved him and took excellent care of him. Lots of good memories!

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  11. LindsayFebruary 8, 2011 at 5:37 AM

    So Sorry for your loss. I lost my little Arab a few years go. Still hurts sometimes.

    I couldn't help but notice you update your blog frequently. You're welcome to join in on our Horse Blog Linky every Tuesday at http://www.RochesterTrailRiders.com It's a great way to promote your blog :)

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  12. Susan SchreyerFebruary 8, 2011 at 5:49 AM

    Thank you, Lindsay -- for both the sentiments and for the invitation. I'll pop over and say "hi"!

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  13. CarolFebruary 8, 2011 at 9:06 AM

    I found your blog through Rochester Trail Riders - it's working already! I have an amateur dressage rider blog, so am delighted to find your blog. Looks great.
    One of my horses in an Appaloosa so it's very nice to read of an Appaloosa who was a successful dressage horse. So sorry that this friend was lost. He sounds like a real character (like my Ap :)

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  14. Susan SchreyerFebruary 8, 2011 at 9:28 AM

    Hi Carol! I've known many Appys who were wonderful athletes. You don't often see them in the dressage arena, but that doesn't mean they can't excel at the sport! RB's owner didn't show, but the two reached into the upper levels with their work. It was lovely to see. And you're right -- he was quite a character!

    I popped by your website! Very nice! Rogo looks like a lovely fellow. Best of luck with his training!

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