As I unloaded my tools and set up the fans for another long row of shoeing in the heat and humidity this morning, the stable owner promptly informed me they were down yet another horse.
This time it was Zach.
Zach was a 25 or so year old pony that may not have been a real standout in the barn, but his sweet and steady way won anybody over. If that didn't do it, his unique build and coloration would likely draw you in for a closer look at him. He was a cool guy.
This is an all too common of a theme these days.
I have been shoeing now, as I keep saying, since the early 90's and some of my clients go back a really long way. It's only natural, of course, that time will start taking some of these old ones - and is has, especially of late.
I may not own these horses, but they are certainly a part of my life. As I said, in some cases, a significant part of my life.
As if loosing horses wasn't enough, but now I'm starting to lose clients to the steady marching of time.
One particular client is a husband and wife. I know I have been working with them since 1995 with Dave Farley. After the husband retired in the early oughts, they built a grand facility out a ways in the country and I have been working with them out there the whole time.
I have watched mostly the husband go from robust older man to a frighteningly frail old man. The facility has gone from brand new and grand to a dirty old hoarding problem.
Reflecting on these things, I realized there is not a moment to waste.
Time will catch us all.
