Back in November Kac over at allhorsestuff had a contest, which, by merit of happening to be in the house on a break, I was the first commenter, and I happened to get her question right, so I won the contest!
I asked for your help to choose a photo to be used by Juliette of Honeysuckle Faire to make a poster. Being the modest person that I am (ahem!) I kept wondering what in the world I would do with a poster of me (and one of the horses, of course). So I went with the photo of my little Arabian boarder Royal Tardez, as a Christmas present for his girl, Bri.
I first met Bri and her Mom, Christy, when I was giving lessons back in Spokane.
She was in middle school--she's now 27! 
Her parents purchased RT for her shortly thereafter, and I had the privilege of shepherding the family through some of the trials and triumphs of first-time horse ownership. 
When Bri moved to the big city, Christy took over management of RT's retirement years, though she too had moved, and was no longer able to keep him at her home.
A few winters ago Christy called me: After several less that stellar boarding situations, RT was not looking good. He was being bullied out of his food by a giant Appaloosa mare, and looking a little like a dairy cow, drawn up and gaunt.
Would I consider keeping him here? And could I haul him across the state (in February)?
I hitched up the trailer the next weekend and drove over. He loaded well (he's been known not to) and traveled decently (he's been known not to). He settled in quickly, and pretty quickly fell in love with a dirty B&W paint filly.
He's one of the family now (he thinks he's the herd stud-muffin).
He's not totally retired, however:
The girls get over to visit, and occasionally, we even get out for a walk around the pasture.
One summer, when grandson Mike's regular mellow mount (Misty) was a little off, Mike tried out the little hot rod. By the next summer, he was too big for RT.
After losing Corky in December of 2008, RT was elected to take over babysitting of Jackson.
Weaning time, fall 2009.
RT will have a place here at EvenSong Farm until he's ready to join his buddy Corky.
Juliette did a wonderful job of juxtaposing three shots, the one of RT running through the pasture, and two more that I sent her of him with Bri. She shared her expertise, while working with me on colors, fonts and general tone.
I haven't shared my final choice until now, as I didn't want to spoil the Christmas surprise.
Here it is:
I first met Bri and her Mom, Christy, when I was giving lessons back in Spokane.
She was in middle school--she's now 27! 
Her parents purchased RT for her shortly thereafter, and I had the privilege of shepherding the family through some of the trials and triumphs of first-time horse ownership. 
When Bri moved to the big city, Christy took over management of RT's retirement years, though she too had moved, and was no longer able to keep him at her home.A few winters ago Christy called me: After several less that stellar boarding situations, RT was not looking good. He was being bullied out of his food by a giant Appaloosa mare, and looking a little like a dairy cow, drawn up and gaunt.
Would I consider keeping him here? And could I haul him across the state (in February)?
I hitched up the trailer the next weekend and drove over. He loaded well (he's been known not to) and traveled decently (he's been known not to). He settled in quickly, and pretty quickly fell in love with a dirty B&W paint filly.
He's one of the family now (he thinks he's the herd stud-muffin).He's not totally retired, however:
The girls get over to visit, and occasionally, we even get out for a walk around the pasture.
One summer, when grandson Mike's regular mellow mount (Misty) was a little off, Mike tried out the little hot rod. By the next summer, he was too big for RT.
After losing Corky in December of 2008, RT was elected to take over babysitting of Jackson.Weaning time, fall 2009.
RT will have a place here at EvenSong Farm until he's ready to join his buddy Corky.Juliette did a wonderful job of juxtaposing three shots, the one of RT running through the pasture, and two more that I sent her of him with Bri. She shared her expertise, while working with me on colors, fonts and general tone.
I haven't shared my final choice until now, as I didn't want to spoil the Christmas surprise.
Here it is:
Oh THAT POSTER turned out so very handsomely!
ReplyDeleteWhat a true friends you are to give your gift to Bri and her horse love RT!!
You are the best!!!
Happy New Year to you!!!
Kac
Looks GREAT!
ReplyDeleteA heartwarming story (I hadn't known RT's history), an absolutely gorgeous poster, and the smile on Bri's face really does say it all. Great post, EvenSong!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great gift, and a wonderful poster! And I really enjoyed reading RT's history.
ReplyDeleteWow, look at that smile. What a very special gift.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing RT's story and the phots of Bri getting the poster! The story brought tears to my eyes - I fell in love with the photos of RT when I was working on the poster and your description of his personality. What a great story of giving...Kacy giving the poster as a prize and you giving it to Bri! It was nice to be part of the fun. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThe look in her eyes says it all. :)
ReplyDelete~Lisa
What a wonderful gift!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad he's staying with you now. The poster is gorgeous, what a truly special gift.
ReplyDeleteWishing you all a healthy Happy New Year!
Wow how wonderful, the poster turned out great and Id say she loves it!
ReplyDeleteI can't tell you all how much that poster means to me! I have it framed on my wall, and every time I look at it I'm reminded of our trials, tears, and triumphs throughout the years. We couldn't have done it without Laurie! I am so happy and blessed that God brought her into our lives. Thanks again Laurie! Give my boy a kiss for me and tell him I will see him soon. We need to go for a ride! :)
ReplyDelete