The Old Mare and Me - 20 Years Together

Louise · Postby **Louise** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 3:33 pm

I was sitting at work today, thinking about my mare Promise (registered name Guilt Trip.) I started counting and realized that, next year, we will have been together 20 years. I can remember as clearly as anything the first time I saw her. How can it be that long?

I got to thinking about her pedigree. A couple of friends along the way have looked at it for me, but I just thought it would be fun to have some of the very knowledgeable people on this board take a look at it. Now, she's 23, and never been bred. And, I certainly have no intention of breeding her now. Frankly, as much as I love her, I don't think she is of the exceptional quality that would make me want to, except for her mind, which is perfect. I'm just curious to see what other thought of her background. You're not going to hurt my feelings, nothing could make me love her less.

http://www.pedigreequery.com/guilt+trip

Here is my little bay lady, a couple of years ago. That's not me riding her, I'm too old and fat. I think she looked pretty good, for 21, don't you?

trackgal · Postby **trackgal** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 4:56 pm

Now THAT is one lucky horse!! (they all should be so lucky)

Barbaro06 · Postby **Barbaro06** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 5:38 pm

Louise...she looks awesome! It was cool to see a horse with Man O' War close up in the pedigree. And La Troienne! And Sir Gallahad, Gallant Fox's sire. She has some very familiar names in her pedigree. She's a blessing!

Louise · Postby **Louise** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 3:16 am

thank you both. She is, indeed, a blessing. Right now she is being used for trail riding by some young friends of mine. She loves trail work, always has. She will go up, over, around and through anything, except free range chickens, doesn't like them one bit. I had to warn them that they would have to watch out for her, that she would go until she dropped, if they let her. There is no quit in this mare.

But then, that's the Thoroughbred of it, isn't it?

Marli · Postby **Marli** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 6:33 am

Louise,

Promise is a very fortunate horse and I know the two of you share a special bond! She looks fantastic for her age, and believe me, the older mares are to be cherished! It is amazing how 20 yrs. can go by *so* quickly!

Thunder · Postby **Thunder** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 7:50 am

Wonderful story

CeeDreams · Postby **CeeDreams** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 3:29 pm

She is certainly one lucky horse to have you as her owner. All the best to both of you!

erins isle · Postby **erins isle** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 1:21 am

I hope you two have many years to go!

What a lovely mare!

Postby **Roguelet** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 5:51 am

You got me thinking about my old guy... he's about to turn 28 and I've had him for almost 19 years. It is fun to think back about all the things we've done... I used to do a lot of off-the-wall things with him when I was younger, had more time, etc...

I started riding horses when I was 6 years old and never, anywhere, have I known a horse like him. Some of them are just so special... thanks for getting me reminiscing...

imnumberjuan · Postby **imnumberjuan** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 9:39 pm

Louise,

A wonderful story. I hope my mare and I have as many happy days as you (she has another month of racing than its retirement! ). Its funny how they grow on you.

I am looking forward to the next 20 + years with my mare.

Louise · Postby **Louise** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 3:17 am

Thanks for all of the kind comments. She is special to me, that's for sure. I went to see her last night. Haven't been able to see her too much lately, because I have been working so hard on the Retiring Racehorse Sale. Well, I heard about it the minute I walked into the barn. Such whinnying and carrying on, lol. She's always been a talker, so much so that it always makes me laugh when people complain about how much horses "talk" in the movies vs. how quiet they are in real life. Those folks haven't been around the Promise Mare. We had a nice grooming session, and a not so nice chestnut picking session (she HATES that). Then, we just hung out for a while, the old mare and me.

Waquoit · Postby **Waquoit** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 12:41 am

Thank you, Louise, for loving this grand girl and bringing her personality to vivid life in this post. Here's to many more happy days together!

geowarrior · Postby **geowarrior** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 7:10 am

Louise

Even to an ignoramus like me, a very interesting pedigree, and a lovely mare with a beautiful story.

And in addition, thanks for all your work on the Finger Lakes Sale. These kinds of events are very important in helping to retire our racing unsung heroes, and we could all wish that they find good homes just like Promise.

Melhor_Ainda · Postby **Melhor_Ainda** » Wed Nov 08, 2006 6:17 pm

She's got a intriguing very "old-school" pedigree.. First thing that jumped out at me was the sire.

She's very pretty.

Louise · Postby **Louise** » Wed Nov 08, 2006 7:25 pm

Thanks again for all your very kind comments. So many of us have that "one special horse" in our lives. I am fortunate that mine was the first horse I ever owned (I started riding very late). Through all my riding adventures, she has been there, and now, as we both have to acknowledge the aches and pains of getting older, I'm glad that she is still there to keep me company.