Farewell to Pappy
(April 1, 1977 – November 8, 2002)
November 8th was a very sad day for me. It was the day that Pappy was peacefully put to rest, and I thought it would be fitting for such a wonderful old man, (almost 26 yrs old) to share a few of my memories and thoughts with some of the people that knew, loved and
were part of Pappy’s life.
Pappy has had a wonderful life, filled with love and affection from many people. I still laugh when many years ago, Eileen Poole came to pick up Pap in her trailer. We were headed for one of the local indoor arenas for a lesson. Pap up to that time never really cared much for trailers and although he would easily go in, he would fly out again. Eileen took the lead rope from me and led him back into the trailer, within 2 seconds out they both came, Pappy lifting Eileen right off the ground. But she wouldn’t let go. The air after that got rather blue, but from that day on Pap never bolted out of a trailer again. Also around that time, when Laurie James and I were neighbors we would often go for trail rides together. One day we were going through thick grass and someone had left a whole role of barbwire loose. Pappy stepped into it and the next moment, I was on the ground and Pap was bolting through the woods. All I heard was the zing of wire being unwound and my heart sank. I stood up and called him frantically, and you know what, after 5 minutes he came galloping back to me. His leg was a mess, blood everywhere, but he came back to me.
Then there’s the time that my mother went in for her first cancer surgery, and I had placed Pappy in an Amberlea Dressage show. Of course I couldn’t show him, and I was told I couldn’t have my entry fees back either, so I asked Jan Simmons if she would like to show Pap. She was thrilled. They got a red ribbon! And the year that Gilbert Requena showed Pappy for me, and placed 4th in the Provincials. I was so proud to see my spotted friend among all those expensive warmbloods, with a ribbon softly blowing from his bridle. And the couple of years that Liz Monkton rode Pappy, and told me she learned so much from him.
Pappy baby-sat a lot of nervous beginner riders also. My sister in law, Barb, was terrified of horses but he gave her the confidence to learn to ride and in a short time she was trotting around the arena. Of course Pappy was famous for his little pig squeals and that meant you had about a second to hang on for dear life, because the next second all four legs would leave the ground in pure exuberance. Marg Kackuk also rode Pap for a while. Unfortunately he decided to do the pig squeal thing then. Marg forgave him as she dusted her britches off. She had a very warm spot for Pap. Richard my better half also gave riding a try. But Pappy knew a greenhorn coming a mile away! Pappy decided, when Richard rode out into the field that perhaps neither of them wanted to go any further. No matter what Richard did, Pap would not budge. That was till I yelled at him from the barn! Pappy that is.
Those are just a few of the many wonderful memories I have of owning this special horse for 23 yrs. But the best memories I have are my quiet times with him. His head poking over the gate for an apple. Leaning into me for his favorite scratch. Walking out to the field to see him in his retirement, enjoying life and munching on tender new shoots. Putting up with the antics of my young horse, Cavas,
but always being gentle with him.
And now I must thank the person that made Pappy’s life the richest. Gail Downie. This wonderful lady, made Pappy’s last few months as comfortable as they could be. As his kidneys started to fail, and he started to loose weight, Gail nurtured him. He flooded out his stall, needed special feed and eye drops and never did she complain. When on November 7 she called and told me that Pappy wasn’t interested even in his crunchies, I knew it was time. With a very heavy heart I phoned Deb Carroll, Pappy’s vet. On November 8 Gail took Pappy out of the pasture, for the last time, brushed him and told him everything would be all right soon. Gail wanted to be with Pap right to the end. Gail and Deb both gave Pappy a big hug, had a little cry and sent Pappy onto a more peaceful place. Pappy is buried at Gail’s farm and you know what? I am going to plant a tree next spring and a small monument is going to be placed by his grave that will read;
May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face
And the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And, until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow
Of His hand
I sure am going to miss him.
With wonderful memories,
| Pappy |
| Lynn |