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In RehabIn TrainingAdoptedMemorials

Memorials & Honorees
In Memory of: Emily Jane Hilscher
Contributors:
Anne Pallie & Jack Schore (Viewtown, Va )



In Memory of: Robert Reece
Contributors:
Mary Bertonlini (Newland, NC)
RCS Communications Group ~ Winston-Salem, NC
The Wineland Family ~ Katy, TX

In Memory of: Michelle Kendrich
Contributors:
David Smith ~ Milwauke, OR


(Marsha, Missy, & Kristie) made a $75.00 donation in memory of Shadow, who was 34 years old when he passed away yesterday (2/28/07). His owner was Victoria Cumbee, who loved and cared for this gentle, sweet horse for 20 years of his life. He will also be missed by his best goat buddy Cleo.

In Memory of Mya

Mya,

Thank you for being part of our lives in the time you had left. You changed many of us and made us wish for the impossible. Thank you for being so kind hearted when you knew the end is near. You taught us that even if we live with something we can't change we still continue to live.

You will always be remembered. Until we meet again.

Much love,
Triad Region

Once you fully apprehend the vacuity of a life without struggle, you are equipped with the basic means of salvation.- Tennessee Williams

Mya

Lira of Rohan ("Lira")

Owner:
Trish Andrews

Contributors:
Krisann & Cliff Blackwell

"For horses can educate through first hand, subjective, personal experiences, unlike human tutors, teachers, and professors can ever do. Horses can build character, not merely urge one to improve on it. Horses forge the mind, the character, the emotions and inner lives of humans. People can talk to one another about all these things and remain distanced and lonesome . In partnership with a horse, one is seldom lacking for thought, emotion and inspiration. One is always attended by a great companion." -Charles de Kunffy

Lira

In Memory of: Nathanial M. Silvers

Contributors:
Nancy Silvers of Angier, NC
Oliver Gallian of Dunn, NC,
Ivor Powell of Apex, NC
St. Stephens Episcopal Church of Erwin, NC


In Memory of: Anne Hogan Van Horn

Contributors:
Mechanicsville Riding Club


Wizard

Owner: Marrett Poston
Contributors:
Southern Pines Equine Associates


Shannon

Owner: Robin Godfrey
Contributors:
Southern Pines Equine Associates


Rain

Owner: Lauren McNulty
Contributors:
Southern Pines Equine Associates


Buster

Owner: Kathy Roach
Contributors:
Southern Pines Equine Associates

Lonnie

Owner:
David Gullion

Contributors:
Southern Pines Equine Associates

Carmen (canine)

Owner:
Elaine Twiggs

Contributors:
Southern Pines Equine Associates

Sam

Owner:
Susan & Dilles Walker

Contributors:
Southern Pines Equine Associates

Helen

Owner:
Ann & Tom Wicks

Contributors:
James River Equine Services

Lady

Owner:
Jane Allen

Contributor:
Reidsville Vet Hospital

Lady

Owner:
Jane Allen

Contributor:
Reidsville Vet Hospital

Poem for Lady...
Somewhere in time's own space
there must be some sweet pastured place
where creeks sing on and tall trees grow.
Some paradise where horses go
for by the love that guides my pen
I know great horses live again.
~Stanley Harrison

Santana Dawn

Owner:
Suzin Buonaguro

Contributor:
Reidsville Vet Hospital

Patches

Owner:
Molly Stanfield

Contributor:
Reidsville Vet Hospital

Circe

Owner:
Pam Lambert

Contributor:
Reidsville Vet Hospital

Holly

Owner:
John Evans

Contributor:
Reidsville Vet Hospital

Mojo

Owner:
Jan Johnson

Contributor:
Reidsville Vet Hospital

Railroad Man

Owner:
Joan Boyce

Contributor:
Reidsville Vet Hospital

Top of the Ridge
"Topper was an exceptional horse who had learned his job early in life. He will be sadly missed."

Owner:
Andre Grouix

Contributors:
Reidsville Vet Hospital

Flipper

Owner:
Kathy Hill

Contributors:
Reidsville Vet Hospital

Miracle

Owner:
Kathy Palma & Doug Hepler

Contributors:
Reidsville Vet Hospital

Cherokee

Owner:
Darla White

Contributors:
Reidsville Vet Hospital

Rusty

 

Owner:
Glen & Melissa Strickland

Contributors:
Reidsville Vet Hospital

Charlie

Owner:
Fred Connell

Contributors:
Reidsville Vet Hospital

Turtle

Owner:
Mary Lacklen

Contributors:
Reidsville Vet Hospital

In remembrance of: the horses of Sheryl and John Gotilly

Contributor:
Lyn Satisky

In honor of: Lelia Vaughan-Keene

Contributor:
Shawn and Kelsey Nix

In remembrance of: Mr. Jim Laird
Donation made on behalf of Mrs. Kathy Laird of Santa Fe, NM

Contributor:
Robin Voiers  Winston-Salem, NC

In honor of: Mrs. Frances Hallam Hurt
a life long lover of horses and riding, on the occasion of her 90th birthday

Contributor:
Bill Hedges

Sam

Owner:
Ron and Wanda Lauziere

Contributors:
Dr. Jeffery A. Shane
James River Equine Services

Vierana

Owner:
Potpourri Farms

Contributors:
Dr. James M. Hamilton
Southern Pines Equine Associates

Sunny

Owner:
Martha Hart

Contributors:
Dr. James M. Hamilton
Southern Pines Equine Associates

Taffy

Owner:
Sharon Hakas

Contributors:
Dr. Thomas M. Daniel Jr.
Southern Pines Equine Associates

Jack

Owner:
Elizabeth & Jim O'Donnell

Contributors:
Dr. Thomas M. Daniel Jr.
Southern Pines Equine Associates

Major & Saint

Owner:
Scott & Barbara Adcock

Contributors:
Dr. Thomas M. Daniel Jr.
Southern Pines Equine Associates

Mira

Owner:
Christina Courtenay

Contributors:
Dr. Jeffery A. Shane
James River Equine Services

Joey

Owner:
Vickie & Catherine Tice

Contributors:
Dr. Jeffery A. Shane
James River Equine Services

Thunder

Owner:
Pam & James Vick

Contributors:
Dr. Jeffery A. Shane
James River Equine Services

In remembrance of: Kathleen Mary Hunt  1904-2005

Contributors:
Ethel Soefker, Kay Smith and Lesley Hunt

Comet

Owner:
Ramona Huff

Contributors:
Dr. Jeffery A. Shane
James River Equine Services

Tahziah

Owner:
Ron & Wanda Lavziere

Contributors:
Dr. Jeffery A. Shane
James River Equine Services

Vicki

Owner:
Ann Harmon

Contributors:
Dr. Thomas M. Daniel Jr.
Southern Pines Equine Associates

Dusty

Owner:
Susan Miller

Contributors:
Dr. James M. Hamilton
Southern Pines Equine Associates

Mare

Owner:
Rebecca Winter

Contributors:
Dr. James M. Hamilton
Southern Pines Equine Associates

Dennis

Owner:
The Forks

Contributors:
Dr. Thomas M. Daniel Jr.
Southern Pines Equine Associates

Chester

Owner:
Elaine Boylen

Contributors:
Dr. Thomas M. Daniel Jr.
Southern Pines Equine Associates

In remembrance of: John F. Reeves

Contributor:
Louise & Ron Stevens

Sky  (1975-2000)

Owner:

Erin Cerrito
My first pony and a wonderful companion for 20 years. Throughout our time together, my Sky Pony taught me more than all my years of lessons combined. She could be spunky and difficult, but oh so sweet and kind! We started out together, a green pony and a 9 year old girl. We grew up and learned together and she was the best friend I ever had. We spent years in hunter lessons together, changed to bareback trail buddies, learned to pull and drive a cart and so much more. All her quirks only made me love her more. She couldn't abide being closed in a stall, had a life long fear of whips and lunging, couldn't cross a creek without pausing to lay down for a moment , always refused her left lead and took great delight in scraping the unsuspecting off on a tree branch and then nudging you with her nose to ask why you were on the ground. But, she always came running at my call and seemed to delight in all of our adventures together. She is pictured here, a day before her death, with her best buddy: Sweet Bey Serenade.
For Stoney and Major
From Barbara LeMay

Justin
Special friend of Mrs. Kim Pitts of Palm City, Florida

Funny Face

Owners:
Mrs. Page Davis

Contributors:
Nancy Christie

In honor of: Karen Pearce
for Christmas 2004

Contributor:
Greta Schiffman

In honor of: Sheryl Gotilly
for Christmas 2004

Contributor:
Greta Schiffman & Arlene Pike

In honor of: Ruth Kintzele
for Christmas 2004

Contributor:
Eric Hodge

Robert Rex Bailey

Contributor:
Sherry L. Beardl

Jose

Owners:
Lori & Sean Hackney & Family

Contributors:
Dr. Jeffery A. Shane
James River Equine Services

In honor of: Virginia & Conley L. Smith

Contributor:
Virginia Crosby Underhill

Angee Ambury

Contributor:
Cathy Chumbley

Sally McGraw

Contributor:
Susan Carbone
I will remember you, your words of wisdom, your independence, and your grace. Sally you had a habit of making me smile and reminding me to be thankful for the blessings in my life. I am grateful for having known you. Of course you would request that donations be made to USERL. That was you, and I am happy to do it.

Bridget McNair
I will always remember your beautiful smile and all the laughter we shared. I'm blessed to have called you "friend". I'll miss you.

Leslie Bierwiler

Gidgette

Owners:
Jerry Jones

Contributors:
Dr. Linda Balot
Greenville Mobile Equine Service, PA

Mark Henry Wade, Jr.

Contributors:
Jennifer & John Wisener in consideration of Virginia, Jacquelyn and David. Mr. Wade was their Uncle.

–Uncle Henry enjoyed horses. He was a member of the AQHA and the Barrel Horse Association. Today I feel he is riding in pastures always green and the sun always shines.

June Grant

Contributors:
Betty Mull in consideration of Ms. Grant's mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Trantham
Molly M. Whitmire in consideration of Ms. Grant's mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Trantham 


Contributors:
•Mr. & Mrs. George Rilling
•Ann Campbell Laidlaw
•Nancy R. Roberts
•Mr. & Mrs. Russell Bush
•Summerfield Veterinary Hospital
•Mr. & Mrs. John Bates
•Mr. & Mrs. George Staley
•Carol S. Allen
•Emily Allen Talbert
•April Wreath
•Waymon & Victoria Autry of Torihope Farm
•Jory & Sonya Marino
•The Ladies Auxillary of the Pinecroft Sedgefield Fire Department
•Salle & Butch Kelly
•The Pinecroft Sedgefield Fire Department
•Carol and Jeff Jefferys
•Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Rappaport
•Marion Hubbard
•The Neighbors on Sedgegrove Rd
•Marjorie & Louie Hoffman
•Pam Martinson
•Sheila Barker
•Jeanne B. Cross
•Peggy McGuire
•Meredith Nicholson of Casa Grande, AZ
•Linda Nulsen

Barbara Hutchins Thomas 
Barbara H. Thomas was born in Lakeland, FL but spent most of her childhood in Maine.  She started riding with help from her mother, Dorcas Thurston, and later they started The Thurstonia riding School in Lewiston, Maine.  She married Camp L. Thomas in 1952 and in 1954 moved the family to Greensboro, NC and started giving riding lessons.  They soon out grew their small farm and opened Thomas Farm Stables on Yanceyville Street.  After ten years they moved again to Sedgefield Stables, which she ran from 1973 until 2002, when health problems forced her retirement. Barbara passed away September 24. 2004.  She was the beloved mother of five children.

Barbara loved all animals, especially her horses, dogs and cats.

Princess

Owners:
Adrian & Allison Coates

Contributors:
Dr. James M. Hamilton
Southern Pines Equine Associates

Nick

Owner:
Burt McKenzie

Contributors:
Dr. James M. Hamilton
Southern Pines Equine Associates

Marou

Owner:
Lisa Dalrymple

Contributors:
Dr. James M. Hamilton
Southern Pines Equine Associates

Jumper

Owners:
Kenneth & Doris Lane

Contributors:
Dr. James M. Hamilton
Southern Pines Equine Associates

Snickers

Owners:
Bob & Bonnie Caie

Contributors:
Dr. James M. Hamilton
Southern Pines Equine Associates

Alamo

Owners:
Dick and Andrea Moore

Contributors:
Dr. James M. Hamilton
Southern Pines Equine Associates

Stormy

Owner:
Gwen Gammans

Contributors:
Dr. James M. Hamilton
Southern Pines Equine Associates

Lema Jones

Contributors:
Mary Anne Mabry in consideration of Ms. Jones' Grandaughter, Lynn Byrd
In memory of a dear kindhearted lady who loved the boggie man too.

Rue

Owner:
Amy Dickens

Contributors:
Erik Dickens

In memorial to Rue: A friend that lived a long and contented life, you will be greatly missed.
     The Dickens Family

Dexter

Owner:
Millicent Young

Contributors:
Dr. Jeffery A. Shane
James River Equine Services

Shasta

Owner:
Anna Pike

Contributors:
Dr. Boyer & Dr. Scarlett
Cedar Hill Mobile Equine Service

Fin

Owner:
Ann Turner

Contributors:
Dr. Thomas M. Daniel Jr.
Southern Pines Equine Associates

Daisy

Owner:
Mel Wyatt

Contributors:
Dr. Thomas M. Daniel Jr.
Southern Pines Equine Associates

Deych

Owner:
Sidley Payne

Contributors:
Dr. James M. Hamilton
Southern Pines Equine Associates

Star

Owner:
Linda & Dixon Griffen

Contributors:
Dr. James M. Hamilton
Southern Pines Equine Associates


REST IN PEACE SOONER

Sooner

Owner:

Sue Ann, Bill, Cassandra, & Kate Beutke

Contributor:
Dr. James E. Meeker
Davie County Large Animal Hospital

One Meg Modem

Owner:
Christina & Chuck Robinson

Contributors:
Dr. Thomas M. Daniel Jr.
Southern Pines Equine Associates

Google

Owner:
Mike Hanville

Contributors:
Dr. James M. Hamilton
Southern Pines Equine Associates

Brenner

Owner:
Boots & Dave Wright

Contributors:
Dr. James M. Hamilton
Southern Pines Equine Associates

Patches

Owner:
Knute & Tabitha Bemis

Contributors:
Dr. James M. Hamilton
Southern Pines Equine Associates

Moosie

Moosie was a 3/4 TB 1/4 Percheron owned and loved by Eden Bermingham DVM. Moosie was the 3rd generation of TB/Draft crosses owned and bred by Eden and her father. She was wonderful in every way and will be deeply missed.

Owner:
Eden Bermingham DVM

Contributors:
Marcia Majors and Joel Kmetz of Durham NC

Diane Gordon Collins

Contributors:
Dennis and Linda Fulk of Sylva NC

Hyde Park

Attn:
Peggy McElveen of Singletary Riding Center

Contributor:
Dr. James M. Hamilton
Southern Pines Equine Associates

Beaver

Owner:
Irish Cross Farm

Contributors:
Dr. James M. Hamilton
Southern Pines Equine Associates

Strider

Owner:

Diann Kirby

Contributor:
Dr. Thomas M. Daniel Jr
Southern Pines Equine Associates

Porky

Owner:
Mary and Neil Rice

Contributor:
Dr. Thomas M. Daniel Jr
Southern Pines Equine Associates

Sunflower

Owner:
Steve McNeill

Contributor:
Dr. Thomas M. Daniel Jr
Southern Pines Equine Associates

Junior
By adopting an older horse, Carol gave Junior a chance to live out his last years happily. She took him on trail rides and to the beach, and introduced him to his equine companion Hoodoo. His easy going manner made many children happy through the years. This year, after battling a rare disease, Carol made the difficult decision to end his suffering. He no longer feels any pain and grazes in eternal sunshine with Hoodoo.

Owner:
Carol Ballance

Contributors:
Jennifer, Jeremiah and Audrey Hester

Lisa Mann

Contributors:
Sandra and Bob Kinsey
Bettye R. Moody 
Charles & Anna Corbett 
Ted & Louise W. Tyson 
Carol C. Rich 
Ann & Wayne Wilbourne 
Robin & Keith Brown 
Teresa & Vinnie Palmieri
Diane C. Ertel
Neena Nowell

Rufus Ray Freeman
October 29, 1939 - January 6, 2004
Mr. Freeman was an avid horse lover. He had race horses that ran and won in different parks around the country. He also had his pets he just kept on the farm. He is survived by his wife Sara Freeman. 

Contributors:
The Freeman family.

Lawrence L. Jones, III
Mr. Jones was an animal lover his entire life, and supported equine charities. This donation is made in his memory. 

Contributor:
His daughter, Julie L. Jones.

Spade
Spade was a 23-year-old horse who died suddenly at the beginning of February 2004. His owners, Cathy and Bob Snyder, loved him very much. 

Owners:
Cathy and Bob Snyder:
"This picture is about 4 yrs. old but it is the best one to show him doing what he loved to do best, trimming the lawn for us. I know that his early years were hard on him from various marks he had and comments from different horse people and vets. I am happy to say that his last 17yrs. were good to him and he was very loved. He is greatly missed around here by all that knew him.
   Thank you for your kind memorial and all the work everyone there at NCERL does for these magnificent animals."

Contributor:
Marcia Majors

JB & Miss Money
JB was a Thoroughbred horse stolen and recovered in 1979. He later died of colic at age 31. His barn mate, Miss Money, was a foundation-bred Quarter Horse who also died of colic, 10 years later, at age 29.

Owner:
Marta Force

Drexel
A big dog with a big heart

Owners:
Mary and Andy Constantino

Contributors:
Lucia, Brad and Isabel

NCSU Ruler Bird
Ruler (an NCERL horse) was the smartest horse I ever had the pleasure to meet. There was never a dull moment, for horses or people when he was around. You had to earn his respect and if you didn't, you certainly respected him. He fought so hard to beat navicular disease for many years. I loved him as did many others in the Rescue League. He was a beautiful, intelligent animal who gave his all in everything he did. His strong presence and silly antics will linger in mind every day for always!!

Contributor/Adopter:
Mary Ellen Malone

Nerissa (7/11/74- 4/14/03)
Nerissa was a Crabbet bred Arabian mare with an exceptional pedigree. She was a great family show and pleasure horse, accumulating many ribbons in English and Western Pleasure. Although highly trained, she would accommodate riders of all experience levels. She was one of the most well mannered horses I've ever owned. She was also an excellent broodmare, providing us with two beautiful foals. She was an outstanding all around horse. She touched the hearts of many people and will be missed by all that knew her. 

Owners:
James A. and Linda T. Clark  

Contributors:
Friends at NIEHS

Peppy's Crazy Warrior ("Peppy")
Peppy was a beautiful 
grey Quarter horse stallion that spent all of his 13 years with NCERL Volunteer and friend Lisa Hartman. He was a huge part of Lisa's Life and words 
could never express just how much he was loved and will be missed.....we were 
fortunate to have known such a special soul, may he rest in peace.

Contributors:
Coastal Therapeutic Riding Program

Brandy, Heidi, and Babe 
In honor of Toto the Magnificent aka Sir Short Pants

Contributors:
Americart/Darlene and Wayne Cohoe

Cher
On April 22, 2002 at about 1:30 in the morning little Cher had to leave us. Like so many wonderful things in life we just couldn't keep her, she was only ours for a little while. What a tragedy to see a precious little life end so soon after it began. Rest assured that if she knew nothing else before she left us, she knew how very important she was to us and how much we wished she could have stayed...farewell baby girl...may you rest in peace.

Peggy Grimes

Contributors:
Co-workers of Sharon James at PrimeCare of Greensboro

Chloe

Contributors:
Rocky River Riders 4-H Club

Nancy Pixley (Beth) Hagaman
Mrs. Nancy (Beth) Pixley Hagaman passed away on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2003, after an extended illness. She was born to Dr. and Mrs. John M. Pixley in Columbus, Ohio. Beth was preceded in death by her father. Beth is survived by her husband, H. McCartney Hagaman, and their two sons, Brandon and Mack, of Pfafftown. Also surviving are her mother, Mrs. Nancy Pixley Wilson; sister, Gretchen Pixley-Jones, and nieces Nancy Griffen and Martha Parke; also a brother, William Kirk Pixley. Beth attended Summit School, Salem Academy, and graduated from R.J. Reynolds High School. She studied at the Ringling School of Art in Sarasota, Fla. Beth loved and worked with horses for most of her life and was often involved with caring for abused and neglected horses. The family wishes to sincerely thank all those who have helped us in so many ways over the past three years. We especially want to thank all of the extraordinary people at Hospice.

Contributors:
Cartney Hagaman
Robert C. Morgan and Company
Mrs. Dorothy Trotman
Marja & George Newton
Mrs. Eben Alexander, Jr.
Rob, Bonnie and David Fowler
Evangeline B. Smith
Betty Wilson
Dr. & Mrs. McCall
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Eshelman

Casper
Casper was a Lippizan/Quarter Horse of many talents - riding, human babysitting, and horse babysitting. When Mary Ellen rescued him from a collector in Virginia, he was almost 30 years old, very underweight and was carrying over 50 ticks. She cleaned him up, fed him and made him a part of her family. Casper's last years were spent getting and giving the love he deserved. He is missed every day.

Owner:
Mary Ellen Malone 
Kernersville, NC

Orion
"He was a very special horse. Orion tried valiantly to overcome severe laminitis. He was a 23-year-old thoroughbred gelding. I was lucky enough to share his life for for 9 years."

Owner:
Margie Muenzer 
Chapel Hill, NC

Contributors
Margie Muenzer
Diane Falcone
Susanne McKinney
Deborah Hock
Theresa Wentz
Rose Guthrie Britton

Bandit
Bandit was a Quarter Horse gelding used for many years as a lesson horse. He taught many people young and old how to ride.

Baby
Baby was an Arabian mare who was Tillie's first foal at the beginning of her adventure in breeding Arabs.

Owner:
Ellen "Tillie" Phillips
El-Ka-Park Farm
Asheboro, NC

Contributor
Teena L. Byrd

Kaleb

Owner:
Shannon Bowen
Asheboro, NC

Contributor
Teena L. Byrd

Mrs. Stella Stevens

Contributor
Sarah Brandes Madry

Mr. Mel Fuller

Contributors
Mimi Hodges
Ray and Daca Thomas

The Wings Of Pegasus
by JDE 12/ 29/ 00

As an avid reader and lover of horse stories, I often peruse the antique shops for out-of-print horse books, stud books of the various breeds... anything that is 'horsey' that I don't already have. My most treasured book was acquired in this way.


It was in a quaint New England town that one store drew my attention. This building seemed out of place among colonial and saltbox homes converted into a row of collectible shops along Main Street, fondly called 'antique alley' in my area. The two boutiques flanking it were pristine, almost startling; so bright were their new coat of white paint and meticulously applied trim of slate blue. In contrast, this homely structure was drab: weathered and brown paint was peeling in strips from the siding. What little trim still framed the doors and windows had rotted, leaving ugly black scars on the soul of this once family dwelling. The 'antiques for sale' sign dangled precariously from the front door and 'old books' was written in black marker on a shop-worn cardboard placard that leaned off-center against the glass window.

Upon entering, the smell was musty and stifling. The proprietor, well over retirement age, sat behind the counter. He was a short, dumpy man with a ruddy complexion; engrossed in some sports magazine, he seemed oblivious to my presence.

There did not appear to be any order or arrangement of the books by category on the shelves. The old floorboards creaked as I moved from shelf to shelf scanning the books. It was a book on the fourth shelf that caught my eye. Obviously very old as the binding was tattered, the leather jacket was mildewed and the size was unique. It was a small book. Gently I slid it out from between two gigantic volumes. Such a fragile book, the pages dry, discolored from age. There was no title, just a black cover with an outline of a winged horse. Intrigued, I opened the book. The language was totally foreign to me, but written under each word a previous owner or someone from the past had translated in English. My hands shook with excitement as I read, "The Wings of Pegasus" dedicated to "Htaruma Giznad, my beloved stallion."

Upon examining the book further, random notations were written in the margins by the unknown translator. Chronological dates with question marks, some crossed out boldly when eliminated with surety from the mystery of the author's identity and era. Two dates were double underlined, one in 1241 and the other in 1225.

A brief exchange with the proprietor concluded the sale of the book. I could barely contain my elation as I left the shop, the book tightly clutched in my hand. There was no doubt in my mind that I would be totally engrossed reading tonight.

The story was set somewhere in the Middle East. I do not know the current name of the country as boundaries have changed over the centuries. A young princess, the only daughter of the Caliph, had a magnificent bay Arabian stallion. His name was Htaruma Giznad. They were inseparable. The princess was often seen on Giznad, galloping over the sands, her veil flowing behind her, laughing as they raced the wind. Giznad, too, loved this, as his tail was held straight up, like a banner, as he ran; his dark eyes intent on some distant finish line. This familiar sight brought smiles to the Caliph's people, as the princess was loved by all.

Than one day a messenger brought word to the Caliph's people that Giznad had become ill and died. The princess had been by his side throughout his brief illness and was now inconsolable. She wanted to know that life was not over for Giznad and that Allah had a special place for horses. Above all, she wanted to know that she would see him again.

The Caliph sent envoys to all the surrounding countries for someone who could put the princess's mind at rest. Great wealth would be bestowed on the one who could answer the question.

I do not know how much time passed, as those pages of the book were brittle with age, and crumbled into ashes in my hand. But the book continues when the princess is very ill. In her delirium, the princess would call Giznad and relive their wonderful times together

One of her attendants was an ancient looking woman. Her skin dark and wrinkled from age and weather. She was not from the Caliph's province but from another remote country. It was she that was tending the princess when she woke from a long period of unconsciousness.

"Tell me everything you felt when you were with Giznad when he died", she said.
"I felt a gentle breeze", said the princess.
"Tell me everything you heard when you were with Giznad when he died", she said.
"I heard the fluttering of wings as if a great bird was near", said the princess.


The old woman smiled. "Can you not see that your question has been answered? Pegasus was sent to Earth to bring Giznad home to the Creator of all beings. The gentle breeze was Pegasus breathing Life into Giznad. The "fluttering" was the wings of Pegasus taking him home."


This little known book has brought me peace and comfort as well. For I, too, had the same question as the princess. May this story bring solace to all that have loved and lost a special horse.

In loving memory of Amurath Danzig, AHR # 110678 who died Christmas Eve 2000 Baileraghnaill Arabians. Newtown, CT

 

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