Sent: Thursday, January 07, 2010
Subject: Velvet
My story:
I decided, after a near fatal Brain Aneurysm, that, in fact, I am not too old to own and ride a horse again. They are my passion. Although, this time, as my last horse was not particularly kind, I decided to pray and trust God to send me a horse. So, I started out looking at breed books to find a kind horse with a good temperament. I always loved a flashy horse, but thought, this time, the disposition is of the utmost importance, which led me to the Friesian/Draft Cross and Flying W Farms in Ohio. I fell in love with the look of Flying W's horses and I knew that Friesian's have kind, willing and sweet dispositions. So, I finally booked my flight to Ohio to meet my horse. Of course I really didn't know who the individual would be. I thought, well, I'll walk through the stalls again, well I did, and there she was, peering out at me, all black with a little white star and a hugely kind, loving eye. She looked at me, as if to say "What about me?" Well, that was it! Robin asked if I would like to see her and of course my answer was yes. She was only a yearling! I had planned when I started my search to buy a fully trained 7 or 8 year old. Well, she was definitely the one and I have never looked back or been sorry. I've, even recently had an opportunity to buy a full Friesian who I have ridden and like very much, but cannot have two horses and cannot and will not give up Velvet!

I brought her home and spent every day with her (I board her) to establish a good bond. Well, we are more trusting of each other, I found out, than any horse I've had. I moved her to a nicer stable after about 7 months. The trainer was leading her and trying to get her to enter the stable. She balked, so I got up by her and she walked right in. The same happened when we got to her stall.

The biggest part of my new relationship with my gorgeous Velvet, is the emotional bond. You see, after having brain surgery for an aneurysm that I am very fortunate to be alive from, I have to say that the toughest part of the whole healing process was the emotional part. I felt so very alone, because everyone around me, not understanding at all, wouldn't trust me with staying home alone, etc. etc. etc. It was as though I was inside my body trying to get out and saying "Really, really, I am Jennie" "I am still the same person I always was" "I am fine" "I am not handicapped or thinking funny". They were like "Well, now Jennie, it's ok etc. etc." They were very condescending and it was so very very very lonely for me. I feel the only way I did not become depressed as time went on, was first of all God, and then Him leading me to my beautiful, priceless "Velvet Illusion". She was an Illusion for some time, but she came when I was physically able, but still in great need of her understanding. And understand, I believe she did and does. She always trusts me and believes me and has given me so much newfound strength in my life. She does have a bit of a little sparkle in her eye of mischief as she just turned 4 years old. She does seem to have to test me as to where the lines are now that we are riding, but I really wouldn't have it any other way, because she has spirit. She is finding herself in testing her boundaries as I am finding myself in my newfound love of life and of her. She is above all, always kind and her sweet eye gives that away, even when she is being an "adolescent"!

She is a God send for me and she has also taught me to live one day at a time and the most important thing in this life is love and that, she shows unconditionally. She loves everyone, she is so kind, but it is a special bond that we alone share.

Jennie and Velvet