As you can guess, we’ve been feeling pretty low since November 13. The joy was missing from going down to feed and play with the horses. I don’t think I even realized how all encompassing his presence was, our relationship was. And I was beginning to feel the passion slipping out of what I do. So I started glancing around, not expecting to find another Cash, but maybe a search would at least redirect me. Make busy work. But God got into it right away. I was lured into calling a lady in Kentucky about a horse she had for sale. When I told her our story with Cash she said “You don’t want that horse, but I have another. He isn’t for sale but I think he’s perfect for you and your situation and if you think so too I will sell him.” So I went up to meet this horse. And it was scary how we struck a chord. Then she told me the horse was Polish Arabian. I knew immediately that God was afoot. The phrase Polish Arabian is one of the ways He slaps me around :). If you missed it, check Chapter Two of Born Wild. It’s all about how God used Polish Arabians to lure us into rescuing four mustangs. Anyway, a couple of days later I took Kathleen up to meet this horse, and on Sunday we brought him home. Kathleen says I’m smiling again (which she also says is a rare but good thing indeed :).
He’s six years old. A very sweet boy, especially for one who has had at least six owners in as many years and was abandoned just three months before coming to us. And he’s very smart. Already smiling. And flexing. Waving with his foot (sort of). And there are little things he does that… well… are right out of the past. Oh, and he side passes to the mounting block!
These photos were taken on the first day I met him. His name is Ezekiel. Ezekiel was a major prophet in the Old Testament delivering this message from God: I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you. Seemed appropriate. We’ll call him Zeke.
Obviously he’s not Cash. But he’s doing a fine job of keeping my present tense reminded of why Cash was so special and will never be forgotten, in a way that is no longer so filled with tears but, once again, with joy. A fine job indeed. Thank you God, and Cash, for sending him. And Kathleen for giving him his name.
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The entire story of our journey with horses (at least through early 2014) is told in the two books that follow: the national best seller The Soul of a Horse – Life Lessons from the Herd and its sequel Born Wild – The Soul of a Horse.
And what a story it is as two novices without a clue stumble and bumble their way through the learning process so that hopefully you won’t have to. If you haven’t read both of these books already please do because with that reading, I believe, will come not just the knowledge of discovery but the passion and the excitement to cause you to commit to your journey with horses, to do for the horse without waiver so that your relationship and experience will be with loving, happy and healthy horses who are willing partners and who never stop trying for you. Horses like ours.
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Joe & Kathleen,
I am so so glad you found this nice boy. Doesn’t sound like he had much of a life in his 6 years. BUT that has changed!! Love him up like you did Cash.
This is so wonderful for you all
Maggie
I totally understand the feeling, I remember when i was 12 waking up and looking out my bedroom window to find my 4-h had passed away .he looked like he was half draft but he was a Morgan and everyone told me he was to big to game. well we proved them wrong, It was weeks before i could go to the barn, and at 12 that was a big crush to me i didn’t even want to look out the window anymore, but my parents told me that one of the babies that was born on the farm would be ready to train in the spring and he was all mine, Well Duke is 24 now and we have done absolutely everything from herding cows to competing in every 4-h event. even pulling logs, and pony rides. Shane will for ever be in my heart,Duke will be gone soon and I will try to move on but it will be so hard . (just got my book- soul of a horse also , cant wait to read it )
Diane… do send me your comments after you read it :)
My heart rejoices that you and Zeke have found each other, that tears have been replaced with joy! God obviously had His hand in this – knowing that Zeke needed a permanent home after so many owners – and a partnership with a human that speaks his language; that someone is you! Many blessings as you begin this new chapter.
Hi Joe,
Your new boy is beautiful, I am so happy for you. Good luck with him, he is a very lucky boy and I also believe that Cash sent him to you. He didn’t want to see you sad anymore.
I can’t wait to follow your journey with Zeke, may it be a long and rewarding one.
Dorothe Doyle.