The sale of Dynamite

UPDATE: At 2145EDT 28 July 2008, Dynamite was euthanized due to a broken shoulder. She will be sorely missed. I miss you my beautiful mare.

My beautiful mare Dynamite is now living with a new family. This is her story....

The phone call

Thursday afternoon, 24 July 2008, as I was heading to the barn in Nokesville to visit Dynamite, my phone rang. It was a gentleman inquiring as to whether or not Dynamite was still available and what price I was asking. I told him Dynamite was still available. He then asked if he could come over later that afternoon and see her. This was the start of something that would change my life.

The gentleman in question came by. Dynamite was an almost perfect angel, loving all over him and hanging out with us as we were talking. She won his heart. I also had a good feeling about this guy as I trust the instincts of my horse. Dynamite looked comfortable and not at all concerned or worried. The next step was for me to check out the possible new home for Dynamite.

Friday, the next day, I drove to Culpepper, VA to check out the accomodations. I was immediately put at ease. I met the guy's wife and three daughters. The daughters made me a sign, a suncatcher and a beaded flag to show how excited they were that Dynamite might come live with them. Dirty play, but I was won.

I agreed to the sale so we loaded up in the truck with the trailer in tow and headed back to Nokesville. My barn manager and the entire family was there to say goodbye to Dynamite. She only knew one thing - she had not been fed dinner yet and was hungry.

We signed the paperwork, explained the feeding, worming and farrier schedule and gathered blankets. It was time to walk Dynamite to the trailer. Inside I was hollow. I was afraid to feel anything for fear I would start crying right there. This was not the time or place. There would be plenty of that later.

Dynamite loaded like a champ, further impressing the new family. We drove back to Culpepper and prepared to introduce Dynamite to Pip, her new stablemate.

Pip is a 16 year old Quarter Horse gelding who was lonely. He seemed kind of lethargic and bored when I first arrived to look over the place. When he saw Dynamite, Pip perked right up. Tail raised, ears pricked and prancing like a war horse.

The introductions across the fence went smooth with only a few squeals from both parties. Now it was time to open and door and let Dynamite in. A couple more bucks and kicks and they settled right in. But wait, something was catching Dynamite's attention on the hill across from the field. Ducks!

The wife had raised some of these ducks from hatchlings so they were imprinted on her. When she calls, "come on" the ducks start quacking loudly. This fascinated Dynamite who had never seen ducks before. It was so funny. She had eyes only for them and Pip was pushed to the wayside. Even the humans were no match for the magnetism of the quackers.

As everything seemed to be winding down, I knew it was time to bow out. I jumped the fence and hugged Dynamite tight. She snuffled in my hair and it took all of my power to not cry. I thanked the family and wished them the best of luck. I hope they love and enjoy her as much as I have. She is truly an amazing mare and I am luckier for having known her.