After a few month struggle of not wanting to sell my beloved 2 year old paint horse Marvin, I decided it was time for him and I both to move on in our lives. He is ready for new experiences and going on to do "Big horse" things as well as make a new family very happy and cheerful all the time. I am ready for new chapters in my life as well and eager to see where different paths of life will be taking me. Once I had decided to official put him on the market I had many people interested and one in particular called me to tell me right away that she would take him without even coming to see him first! It was the weekend before Marvin was to be picked up by his new family when I received a disturbing call from my trainer at 5 in the morning...
"Marvin got caught in a fence last night and his legs are pretty beat up... There is one spot in particular we should call the vet about as soon as possible..."
My heart dropped for many reasons. The main one being I can't stand the thought of seeing any of animals (children) hurt and suffering. After calling the vet and having her come down we examined the wound and the look on her face made me lose the color in mine. She began to make a tapping sound and exclaimed "That is his bone..." The gash in his leg had cut straight through to his bone we were able to fit a thick syringe fully inside if it... She pulls out her x-ray machine and I nervously began to shed tears. Fortunately the x-rays showed no sign of any fracture to the bone. However she worries that with the cut being so deep and there being no skin present to stitch it up, to much air could circulate into the bone causing a disease and even possibility for the bone itself to die off. I knew the healing process was going to be strict but I was willing to do whatever had to be done. After telling his new potential owner about what had happened I never heard from her again which also broke my heart...
5 weeks, many antibiotics, a fresh new leg wrapping ever day, injected cleaning solutions, and steroid creams later, he is walking perfectly fine and ready to go out and play. His wound has been scabbing over nicely with a little swelling and some scars and scratches still on his legs. I decided to list him for sale again and of course to be sure to inform the potential buyers of his injury. I received a call two days after I had posted him from a woman very interested in him and loves his bloodlines.
"I would like to put a down payment on him if I could and then pick him up by the weekend." she had told me.
I was ecstatic. She as well as her facility and values sounded perfect. We met the next day and I decided to hop on Marvin one last time before they got there. A little nervous as he had not been ridden in almost two months with being out due to injury, he was perfectly fine and I couldn't have been happier. She arrived at the barn with her friend and 13 year old daughter all of which fell in love with him instantly. He warmed up to them very quickly and they could not get enough of his spunky, fun loving personality. I knew this was the right thing to do, especially after seeing how he and the 13 year old little girl we connecting instantly. After making the deal the lady noticed my trainer and recognized her. She had actually bought a horse from my trainer years ago and could not stop telling me how much she adores her and will be keeping her forever! This also made me feel reassured that he was in fact going to a great home. My trainer also assured me by saying how wonderful of a lady she is and how well she takes care of her horses.
Overall, this was definitely one of the hardest things I have ever had to do thus far in my life. However I think it is a stepping stone for me and for lack of a better phrase "time to be a big girl." I am very fortunate to have met people who are eager and willing to care for him as much as I do. it also fills me with joy to see how happy my little man makes others as well. I am very excited for Marvin's new home and even more excited to see how he progresses and what he grows up to become! I have also made new friends in this process of which I will be seeing from time to time to also see how my little boy is working out for them.
I am very grateful for the opportunity and time spent with Marvin. I was the first one to ever sit on his back, ride him and trained him myself. I have taught him how to be a broke horse and what riding is all about but he in return has taught me so much more... He has taught me patience, dedication, and what I think is most important, trust among many other great lessons. He will always have a special place in my heart and i can only hope that I will continue to hold a place in his.
Congratulations to the Treadway family! You own one very sweet, amazing and hard working young man. :)
Our last night and ride together :)
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