When I look at Rusty’s bridle I remember a leader, teacher,
mentor and friend. She was a leader
because when the going got tough she would go out in front no matter what and
lead the other horses and if she didn’t think something was safe then she would
take you away from there. She was a
teacher because she gave and taught confidence to Easter, Mahalah, and Ranger
on the trail and helped keep them calm when they got scared. She taught them to be brave and to think
things through and I can see what they have learned from her as I ride them,
especially Easter and Mahalah. Rusty
also taught and gave confidence to new riders showing them that she would take
care of them and how fun it is to ride.
She knew to be careful with the little ones and those who she could tell
were scared, I was always especially amazed at how she treated each young rider
with care. She was a mentor for me
because she showed me through the 12 years I had her that I needed to be
patient with the horses still learning, and also with my children and students
that I needed to have the same patience as her while they learned. Rusty also helped me learn to become a leader
and that just because you’re scared of something doesn’t mean you run but face
it head on and lead others into that challenge.
She was my friend because she was always there when I needed a ride on a
horse that I knew would take me one and she would listen to my problems and was
once again be patient as I worked through them.
Rusty was taken too soon and I feel very guilty every day because I
wasn’t out there when she needed me most and that I didn’t get her any
help. It will take me a very long time
to get over this guilt and I may never get over it, but when I look at her
bridle I will be reminded of what she did for me and those that she came in
contact with and I will hang her bridle always in an honorable spot where I
will be reminded of my Rusty Girl each and every time I go into my tack room.
