The Attributes of a Good Polo Pony



Speed, intelligence and agility by themselves, do not make a good polo pony. He must be clever. He must be able to dodge and swerve while going full speed, and to wheel and turn on the proverbial dime. Besides this, he must be able to follow the ball, and instinctively put his rider in a good position to hit it. He must be completely steady and unaffected by the waving mallets and yelling crowds. In addition, and no less important, he must have much courage, and not flinch from contact, sometimes violent, with another mount.







Sunday, November 7, 2010

Old Friends


It was a beautiful fall afternoon. Alcott and Sage each were fed a bag of apples. The vet arrived at 1. There were lots of hugs and tears. After being led to a hole that had been dug in our old apple orchard, they were humanely euthanized. If you have never seen a horse euthanized by a veterinarian, it is very peaceful. The horse lays-down, and "falls asleep". The defination of Humane is "characterized by tenderness, compassion, and sympathy for other beings, especially for the suffering or distressed; merciful". Euthanasia is defined as "an easy or painless death". This is how it should be for all our equine friends. Afterall, they have served mankind throughout history. Is there any other animal (maybe a dog!) that evokes more emotion? Movies, books, songs, toys, designs on clothing, huge expositions and shows. It seems that every young girl wants a horse. Some will have a horse as their first "love"!
I know the horse was my first love. My mother told me that as soon as I could walk, I'd try to wander down the street to a local horse farm. I have been present for the euthanization of many horses. It never gets any easier, but in my heart I know it is a fitting end to a special friend that has given me so much joy throughout its life.
Rest in Peace my old friends. You will be in my heart forever.

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