Jake is a horse that has left his sweet hoof prints in my heart and in the hearts of many. He died this last Saturday, September 18 in a green pasture in Seal Rock, Oregon. He was mourned by many: the humans who loved him and his pasture mate, Patriot, who continues to whinny for him.
I met Jake about five years ago when I was visiting my dear friend Vikki. We had gone to Seal Rock Stables, where Vikki boards her flashy Arabian, Patriot. Jake had been purchased at a kill auction by Jasmine Lechner, owner and manager of Seal Rock Stables. She had bought him for her mother, Roxanne. One afternoon while I was visiting Vikki, Roxanne trailered Jake over for me so that I would have a horse to ride along with Vikki. The contrast between the two Arabians was startling.
Jake was younger than Patriot but looked older. Whereas Patriot had led a pampered life and had known only love, Jake's life had been harsh. He was bony and thin with a dull coat and problems with his hocks that were so severe that cleaning his back hooves was a challenge. Still, when he would run through the pasture, his tail would arch over his back and he did indeed look like a typy Arab running with the wind.
Vikki picked up a lease on Jake and he became Patriot's pasture mate and a horse for her husband Ron to ride and love. From that day on, Jake received the same loving care and pampering that Patriot did. In spite of that, the years of neglect and abuse had left its mark on him. Each time that I would see him, my first reaction was always how "bad" he looked - ribby and dull coated when compared to Patriot, who always looks as though he is ready for a parade. But then I would put my leg up over his back, all of that would quietly drift away. Jake had an inner beauty that would take over. He was an amazing horse with a huge heart. He took care of his riders and would take them up the steepest hills, into valleys, and across water - whatever you asked of him. He had a willing spirit and a sweet, gentle disposition. He won virtually everyone over and became a favorite lesson horse at Seal Rock - one that could be counted on to take care of little ones.
Two years ago we learned that Jake had cancer and over and over, my dear friend weighed and evaluated when it would be time to let him go. That time was Saturday.
As I reflect on Jake, I can't help but think what a blessed horse he was. This was a horse who had been destined to die at a slaughter house--alone, frightened, and unloved. He had been a "throw-away" horse, discarded by his previous owners and severely malnourished. Instead he lived out his life with my friends Ron and Vikki, who doted on him and loved him, and he died in green pastures surrounded by so many who shed tears for him and honored him. He was indeed a lucky horse, and he has left his sweet hoof prints in my heart.
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