Bow by Brooke Molde

Bow was always there to help the timidest of riders begin to understand the true meaning of Horses… the language of these gentle creatures. He would gently take a carrot from the curled hand of a child, carefully finding his way through fingers to the treat. He was always understanding to the clumsiest commands, and the weakest urges on, and the merry 'getty-up'. For many he was the first horse they ever got to sit upon, and was a total confidence booster. He was creaky, and old, but never ceased to give a parent the satisfaction of the delighted smile on their kid's face as trusty old Bow trotted carefully with them. At the slightest teeter, he would slow, letting the kids' clasp his mane and haul upon it to remain balanced. He was literally bomb proof, and if some kid 3 years old was on him, and some one waves an umbrella in his face, he would not budge.

However, one day this imperial beast met his end. It was a cruel one, and I do not understand how god could make such a saint go through that. After all he had done in his long life, why? It was absurd, yet it still happened. Gentle old Bow of course, was never one to kick at others in the field, or even really defend himself. He rarely went out, he stayed in to give those kids a taste of riding. Nevertheless, one day, a slow day, Bow was given the day off, along with several other school horses. I do not know what provoked them to do it, but one aimed a kick a Bow. Most horses could have leapt away and returned the blow, most probably playfully. But old Bow was not young anymore, and his reaction was slow. He was struck squarely in the face. They did all they could, but he was gone before the vet could arrive. His whole left side became paralysed, and not long after he had been hit, he passed on.

I don't think many kids know the truth, though many inquired why they had been taken from Bow and but on some one else. they wanted Bow. But Bow was never to come back. No matter how many kids cried, pouted, sobbed, he was gone from the earth forever. I doubt many have forgotten him, however, because how could you forget such a horse? Its nearly impossible.

I never rode Bow, but I remember hearing about the great deeds every day I was around, some harried trainer coming in, thanking their lucky starts they had dependable Bow. otherwise their kid would have been in the dirt. the only memory I hold of Bow is braiding his mane as he awaited a late lesson kid. He stood calmly, head lowered, so I could easily reach his mane. I was about 9, having been instructed to tack for some kid, who was going to get a dose of Bow's magic. That's all I hold, and to this very day, I wish I had more. Every wished Bow would have had time to spread more of his joy, the joy he

possessed, and seemed to live to share. He just loved to make a kid happy, you could see it in his eyes. Never ever a sour face... Bow, you'll never be forgotten. We all thank you....the long line of kids who were subjected to you. If only we could stroke your face one more time. Thank you. 

We'll always love you, Bow….

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