Love At First Sight | A Sad Story Of A Quarter Horse

By: Shell Willson

I have never in my life believed in love at first sight, but was proven wrong the first day I laid eyes on Johnny. He was a massive Quarter Horse gelding at 9 years of age. Sixteen hands , one inch and 1300 pounds of Chestnut brawn with a huge white blaze down his massive face. He had belonged to my husband at that time. I knew he had this horse, and since we had a place in the country I begged him to have him brought over to out new home. Upon Johnny’s arrival I was so excited that finally, after 31 years of waiting I had my very own horse.

I immediately starting educating myself in the ways of horses and went to the library to find out everything I could about proper nutrients, shelter and tack. Little did I know at that time that Johnny would become the teacher. I joined a local horse club the “Callaway County Ruff Riders”. It was music to my ears to hear about other peoples horses and I was a human sponge thirsty for all and any information about horses.

[private]The club was getting ready for their show season starting in the Spring of 1992. As soon as the days where long enough, it was endless hours of riding over the farm land of North Callaway County, Missouri. We both worked hard to get into shape and have the know how for a horse show.

The day finally came, and I was up at the break of dawn to get my fine steed wash and groomed for our first show. A friend of mine came to take us to the club’s arena. I was so nervous, never participating in a horse show before. I entered us in three events, Halter class, Western pleasure and Western horsemanship. I wasn’t to sure exactly what I had gotten the two of us in to but, thought nothing ventured nothing gained.

We lined up for the judges for the Halter class. Johnny stood stock still just like we had practiced at home.. Much to my delight and amazement we got a fourth place ribbon. Next we got ready for the Western pleasure class. Into the arena we rode. Walking, trotting and a slow canter as the Judges inspected our movements. Again we lined up and waited for the judges decisions.. I could fell my heart pounding. At last they announced the winners.

I almost fell off of Johnny as they announced that we had won third place!! Another ribbon!! The last event was the Western horsemanship. I had a few minutes to get him warmed upped for the event. Night had fallen and the arena lights were turned on. At the end of the arena was a pasture that was full of cattle. The lights gave the steers a demonic glow to their eyes. As we were coming around that end of the arena, I felt Johnny tense up. He had spotted the cattle, they must of really spooked him, because in one mighty movement he snorted and started to buck.

When a horse of Johnny’s size bucks you really appreciate the power they posses. He went from a show horse to a bucking bronc in a few seconds. I had two choices, stay on, or get thrown off into the arena fence and spoil my new white shirt. I chose to hang on. I finally regained control and started the last class. We walked, trotted and loped as the judge requested. Finally we lined upped once again to wait for the results. I just knew we would get dead last. Especially after Johnny’s rodeo event .

The names where being read. Fourth place, third place, I definitely had stopped breathing at this point. Then the judge walked over and announced second place and handed me the ribbons. I was astounded. You would of thought we had won the Quarter Horse Congress!! I was so proud of Johnny for giving his all to me that day. After the event was over, I asked the judge what we could improve on and she replied that she had seen Johnny’s antics before the class. She was very impressed in the way that I controlled him and considered giving us the first place ribbon.

That was the first and last show we did together. Johnny taught me everything I know to this day about horses. How they respond and how much they can love you with out limits or conditions. He was my confidant and very ,very good friend. There is a saying among horse people: “Anything is possible from the back of a horse”. Johnny showed me that. In the spring of 2002 , I had decided to retire him. He was suffering from arthritis in his shoulders, I could tell my dear good friend wasn’t feeling well.

In May I found him down in the pasture and he couldn’t get to his feet. After the vet came it was decided that he was having extensive chest pain and probably having a heart attack. So as my final act of love and devotion to my friend, I had to make that horrible decision that every horse person dreads to make. I told him, before the light went from his eyes, to go on to those greener pastures and wait for me. He went peacefully . I will be eternally grateful for the lessons he gave me. Not only on the care of him and his kind, but the lessons of unconditional love and being able to let go .[/private]