We bought Sassy from a family
friend when I was only twelve years old. She was everything to me. In our
younger years we explored trails, won barrel and pole races, and even rode
in parades. Sassy was amazingly smart, and was nicknamed 'Nuisance' due
to her ability to untie knots, undo chains, and find trouble wherever
there was trouble to be found. She had an uncanny perception to 'adjust'
to whoever was riding her. When someone more experienced was on
her, she lived up to her name and acted quite 'Sassy' making the
rider pay attention to her every move. Yet a small child, or even my
Grandmother, could ride her and she would change her gate to what we
called 'tip-toeing', placing each hoof down slow and gentle.
As I grew older, got married
and had children, Sassy remained part of the family. I even rode her while
I was pregnant knowing I could put all of my faith into my wonderful
companion. As my girls grew older, Sassy was there to teach my
own daughters how to ride. I remember the warmth I felt when my twelve year
old daughter loped on her for the first time. I felt confident that Sassy
would take care of her as she had taken care of me for years. It was then
that I realized how blessed I had been to have her in my life long enough
to watch another generation enjoy her as I had.
Her health deteriorated
slowly, as we were able to ride her almost to her last day. First it was
only sore muscles. Next her eyesight began to dim. Finally she became totally
blind. It was then that any spirit she had left in her tired body seemed
gone. She ran into things and wouldn't eat. We knew that the time had come.
My sister's horse, Blazer,
had been Sassy's best friend for a number of years. They were constant
companions. Blazer had been suffering from Cushing's disease for a while.
We knew that when Blazer had to be put down, Sassy would be soon to follow.
Fortunately they were able to go on the same day. The vet was kind when he
was told how much each horse meant to our family.
I feel I have lost my best
friend. I am empty for now, and turn to memories of Sassy to help me go on.
Though I feel much heartache at this time, I know that any time I was
able to spend with one of God's most magnificent creations was worth the
pain I feel now.
Sincerely,
Susan Gray
Sassy 
