saying goodbye

[tammysinnett]

Today I walked slowly to the barn, kicking myself for getting so attached. I knew the day he was born he wasn't mine---but how could I not fall in love with that beautiful colt, the one that has won everyones heart since. His grandaddys on both sides are very well known. As he grew we wondered who he would take after and where he got such eye catching appeal..not until three weeks ago when I was going through photos and found his daddys yearling picture for Fasig Tipton did I see who he replecated. Since that time my heart has grown attached more and more with every chore. Every trick or character seems to mimmic his father..the great one...the love of my life. This colt has met the great one on the farm and daily they talk over wood(barn doors). Everyday they talk as if his daddy was telling him all the things fathers should. I have dreaded this moment, like any mother would, I knew it was coming...Sunday will be his first trip to a big farm. As I walk closer now through my tears I yell "may I have your attention please-" all the horses stand silently looking at me...."Rocky will be leaving Sunday to carry on the tradition of the Mr.Greeley Horse....he will make his legacey for his father and all of you who have been born by him. I toast a cheer to you Rocky, good luck ,good fortune, and may you stay healthy and run fast. Cheers to you SUmmit Climber may your son carry on your heritage in pride." All the horses look at me and I feel they may understand...I see his father standing at the gate nodding his head up and down as if to agree with me. The tears come more now but I dont know if I am sad or excited.....I pray this gamble we are taking is the one that leads to history in the making....I will never forget these days of raising a Thoroughbred. I will never forget saying goodbye.

This is something I wrote for our Racing News along with it I am sending a picture of our colt. I hope maybe it reflects that breeding horses is an emotional journey. That we all love them and every baby that is born is born through dreams of success. If any of you are writers please help me critique and make it something pleasing.....thankyou Tammy

[Bondama]

Tammy that was very touching and moved me to tears. The depth of your emotion comes through quite clearly. Well done.

[spex4me]

very nice piece!!

[larrygene]

Oh! The gift of prose.

Larrrygene

[Evenheaven]

That was wonderful.... very well written!

[Sunday Rider]

wow......how beautiful, yes, I feel the same,when my first foal was injured 2 weeks ago and she was taken in for treatment the vet offered to buy her. I've had another offer at the barn the buy her. She is very well put together and has a great blood line. I just can't bring myself to part with her.......

[Jenny]

Oh man Just thinking about it makes me cry. I have never put any of my babies through the sale. I have sold older horses, lots of them, some we have claimed, and cried when they have left to new en devours. But I have yet to have any of mine raced by someone else. It will be very hard I am sure when I put GONE FISHINs' babies threw the sale or sell them privately. It makes me cringe just thinking about it, and they aren't even born yet!!

[Evenheaven]

It's so hard to part with them when you've foaled them out... I can't help but to always think of the song, Run for the Roses when I send one of "my own" that I foaled to their new home. I always try to tell myself that I have prepared them to the best of my ability for their new excellent life and with God's will, they will be just fine. I have transitioned so many from the track to new careers as show or pleasure horses with out a problem... but my "babies" are so hard to let go of. But, I always follow where they go via the internet or other connections, and so far, even though most haven't been great race prospects (they tried as hard as they could) they have remained injury free.

[imnumberjuan]

Tammy,

I think this is the aspect of the sport that gets overlooked, as a lot of times its the money andglamour that overshadow all else.

When I look at a racing form at even the lowest levels of racing,(Evergreen Park anyone?) I am struck at all the starters in the gate represent the hopes and dreams of owners, breeders, trainers, jockeys, agents, grooms, the old race tracker who walks hots and so on.

Do you have more on your peice? Starting from the point your foal was born?

[tammysinnett]

I think I may have small thoughts here and there, but I only jot down my thoughts and then usually are to embarrass to let people know how I am so emotionally involved. I did write a piece for Chicken Soup for horse lovers soul about my stallion....but it didnt make it to the book.

I should add that this story has not ended. Somehow that colt made it into the hands of some very good people that believe in his bloodline. They have called me to update me all week on his progress. This morning they called to let me know that he was just turned out with two other colts, he was very well accepted and is playing happily in the field. I believe he will have a great future, the only thing I ever wanted from my stallions offspring. I absolutely feel so blessed.

[Sysonby]

I think this is the aspect of the sport that gets overlooked, as a lot of times its the money andglamour that overshadow all else.

When I look at a racing form at even the lowest levels of racing,(Evergreen Park anyone?) I am struck at all the starters in the gate represent the hopes and dreams of owners, breeders, trainers, jockeys, agents, grooms, the old race tracker who walks hots and so on.

And you are a closet poet too Juan. That's a very true observation and it's what makes this game special.

[imnumberjuan]

Stop, your making me blush

[Barbaro06]

Thanks for sharing Tammy!

[Evenheaven]

Tammy -
I know that I've posted on your thread a number of times, but keep thinking about it since one of my white tb's just recently sold and will be going to Texas as a race horse. They often say that misery loves company... can I join you in your sadness/aprehension?

[tammysinnett]

oh yes everone is welcome to post their stories ALWAYS