By: Samantha Burow

Two and a half years ago, my father bought me a beautiful Quarter Horse mare – Sophie. I had been taking riding lessons for about a year when Sophie came up for sale, I loved this mare dearly, her and I connected from day one. So, after lots of begging, pleading and promises of ‘really, I will look after her’ my Mother and Father caved in and bought her for me.

A year after my father bought me Sophie, and just shy of my sixteenth birthday, he passed away suddenly, it threw me into a deep depression, I didn’t think I wanted to live anymore.
The first day that I went out and saw my horse after my Dad passed away, I knew that she would help me get through the pain. Sophie instantly knew something was wrong and nestled her muzzle into my chest. I stood in the paddock and sobbed. It wasn’t the last time that we would share this special moment.

Two and a half years have passed, and Sophie has not always been an angel to ride, many people have tried to pressure me into selling her, but I never will. She is the one special connection between my Dad and I. Having her has saved me in many ways, when it all gets too much, it is to Sophie I look for relief, she loves me unconditionally.

Every time I ride, my Dad rides with me, in my heart. My first blue ribbon and many ribbons after that are dedicated to him. I ride for my family and friends, but mainly for my Father.
I wish that I had had the chance to say a final goodbye, but when I look at Sophie and hug her and love her, I’m loving my father and that is a special bond that cannot be broken.