Missing Bishop the horse

It is difficult to say goodbye to an animal friend and companion. When it is unexpected, this is more difficult. My first horse was getting old and over the course of the last 2 years of her life, she went downhill slowly.

Bishop came into my life before Cari left it. I remember them both being in the stable and when I started to take care of Bishop, Cari would look around at me as if to say - who is that horse that you are paying attention to?

There was no gap in between these 2 horses in my life - the only 2 I have owned. Now there is a gap although I would hope to fill it again soon.

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I went yesterday to the stables. It seemed quite strange. Many things were as they always were but of course something was very different - Bishop was no longer there.

I met up with some long time riding friends who were most sympathetic. One of them had a soft spot for Bishop as she had wanted to buy him but I got there first. I met up with the barn office manager and the barn help and the barn owner. It was good to see them because I know they all took good care of him and not just at the end of his life.

There were some carrots that I had bought that were sitting around in a paper bag. I took them around and fed them to all the horses and ponies - a last gift from Bishop.

There was a cute pony in the stall that Bishop occupied for the past 8 years. I think he is just passing through. If a new horse had a different stall, I think I would get all confused.

I stepped outside behind the barn where I had last seen Bishop - wrapped up in a blanket and eating grass. I am glad that I had given him a couple of big hugs and a little kiss on his nose to say goodbye. I suspected that I would not see him again.

A good remembering but sad. So the search for a new horse has already started. I expect there will be one out there for me. More to follow...