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| Satch & Mystery; Our story | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Feb 11 2009, 05:33 PM (299 Views) | |
| Trails by Day or Night... | Feb 11 2009, 05:33 PM Post #1 |
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Schooling
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From an article I wrote in 2005... I have only had Satch myself for a few years. I acquired him through a friend, who had him most of his life. Was looking for a good home for him. Satch had been placed several times but kept returning mainly because of his mustang traits. He was off the range / wild originally, yes. And his freedom, love of being unique has never been broken. He is smart, has been trained and done his overseer's proper, but he is a mustang at heart and always will be. Some folks will never accept that trait. I do. We just hit it off from the day we met. Our story was published on the web, and once in a magazine I am told. All I know, is how we bonded from the first meeting. And his life long owner, up till myself, even admitted we were the perfect match. As a pair, we will never win blue ribbons...lol, but neither of us were meant to show. I have to say, Satch is more educated than myself in the school of equine, and can do most anything with the proper rider to cue him. But his love is of trails and exploring. And also of a companionship / bond with one who gives him freedom to be himself. I have laughed, been amazed, and genuinely touched by the emotions this horse shares with myself. I can only sum it all up, as said in a quote a few years ago, at the adoption of Mystery. ( and now you know how the name came around for Mystery...) "Satch is such big hearted creature, and has blessed me with his trust, I will never forget he found me... And now a 2nd mystery is unfolding, seeking to share in what I know he can be... I am only the guardian of these two, for they own my heart & soul..." The whole story, as was told on the Internet, is below... Hope you enjoy. ******************** "Satch" I acquired through a friend who had him most of his life. The story has been told a few times, and published once on the web. Below is the story... I acquired Satch a in March 2003, through a friend by the name of Rusty. I was actually looking for a Friesian. In talking of this, Rusty said to me, he had just let his horse go, a BLM Mustang, but had the looks of a Friesian, ... black, double mane, feather'd hocks, stocky & powerful, and a wonderful trail horse. I had missed him. A month went by, and in chatting again I was asked if I had found my horse? I had not. I just could not afford the price of most, and the very few I found whom were in need of a home were injured and not trail capable, and would need extensive veterinary care. Rusty then said with a smile, ... well, Sachamo is back. Al, I think you would do well with him. Rusty had owned Sachamo most of his life, got him when he was 3 years old I think. Rusty is also a farrier and true blacksmith by trade, but he does not ride anymore because of his back. He was trying to find a good home for Sachamo. Because of his height, size and power, folks kept returning him. He also wanted nothing to do with a stall, had been always free ranged. So he was given back. I agreed to go up and check him out. I took a very trusted friend, Kamrie with me, a woman who is a professional horse trainer and vet tech. She rode him in the inside arena, and went through him top to bottom. She told me,.....lol, Al, if you don't take him.. I will. But at first sight Sachamo and I clicked. My heart melted, we stood face to face. Those in the stable, who were in awe of this horse, who had him in a box stall when they knew he did not like them, could not believe Sachamo and I just stood within inches and he did not move. My face to the side of his head, I ran my hands over his eyes and he lowered his head to my chest. I held him with no force by both sides of his neck under his mane, stroking him. Finally I lifted his head back up, turned about and walked from the stall. Sachamo followed me down the stall corridor. Kamrie is a natural with horses and she just beamed. All I could say is I have found my horse. And I was politely corrected, No Alan... He found you. Now, another woman trainer friend Robin, whom has Cassie-May another mustang, she and her husband live close to me. She is the one who helped me board Sachamo for the rest of the first winter, for I had no paddock or anything at the time. We made arrangements two days later and had him trucked down from western Mass. In exchange for things I can do in my fields of know-how, Sachamo was brought into the herd at her stable. Thus he met Cassie-May. I have called him by "Satch" ever since I brought him down. I have built a huge paddock all around my home for him and his friends as guests. And at some point, I hope to get his proper shelter up so I can free range him at home in the winter. So at this time Satch is here Spring, Summer, and Fall. And winters at Robin's. And sometimes he goes over to Robin's just to visit for a few days and play with the herd. And sometimes, Robin would send over here a few to be with Satch and munch the fields here for a few days. At times when we can, we trailer up & ride at Lake Dennison with Kamrie, or go romping through the sand pits, or go barrel racing with her and her friends. But in all, Satch and Cassie-May were together most of the time, even when trail riding. Two mustangs of the same age and from the same BLM range originally. I have mentioned my friends names here. That I will not do in public, for you understand how sometimes the horse world works. And I trust all of them, their hearts, their souls, and their knowledge of equine. I will never allow them to be hurt, especially by anything I do. And few know of this whole story. My agreement with Rusty is a hand shake and my word. My promise is to never sell Sachamo. I have been told Rusty was offered many thousands of dollars for Sachamo, some have said close to 10,000. Rusty just smiled, I only asked him that question once. I have been approached also by horse folks asking to buy him.. Rusty is and will always be his farrier. If for any reason, Sachamo is not to be with me anymore, I will return him to Rusty. Our agreement is based only on one thing in mind. This mustang, is to be as free as possible, have an owner who provides not adequate care... but loving care. And protects Sachamo. Rusty saw in me, the same thing Kamrie did, as does Robin. My love for this horse is never ending, as is my friendship with all three of these wonderful people... As for Mystery, this unfolded from an Internet chat room and a PMU auction. Here are parts of the actual conversation: >> Countryeyes4u~WHAT ......NO TRAILER??? I found the perfect baby for you.....LOL >>>>Well, ummmmmmm, gee, you twist any more and you know I will end up doing just that.lol. I would be happy to help anyone out Locally if need be, but for now... it will still be "Just Satch & I..." Between the new Satch Condo, then the new hay storage & grocery warehouse.... And seeing Satch got a new truck too this year.... This single guy is horse'd to the bank with just the big guy...lol. (but, there was a cute drafty black one with a white star..., thinking, thinking...lol) In all seriousness though, I have been over twice, the foals are wonderful, cute and spunky. You can see personality in every one of them. If you have a chance to go folks, please do. If you know of folks thinking of getting, please tell them. All these little ones deserve a fresh start and a loving home. And my admiration to Barbara and Debbie whom I met for the first time, for their sponsorship of this event... And Spirited... nice job running the small herd.lol, you'd make a great traffic cop in downtown Boston! >>>>Well, the 3rd time came and went for visiting the foals. And after kneeling in between a group of foals for about 45 minutes, catching a few personality traits, not speaking a word, my mind was made up. I went back home and came back with the trailer... My big boy "Satch", being a saved Mustang... now is the adoptive dad of a Percheron cross, a rescue PMU foal. Not only was the warmth heartfelt from all involved in bringing these babies down, when introducing Satch to the adopt'ee, it was a bond that will last I am sure. I eat crow I guess, to the posting from the other day. In my heart I could not turn down the chance to bring not only a buddy to my big boy, but to be able to bring a home to a rescue. Money is tight, things will be juggled for sure, but there are now two very special horses in my life. They stand side by side, being big n' small, older n' youngster. From two very different worlds, yet in so much the same. I will do with a little less, yet have become so much richer in a very special way. A very heartfelt Thank You to Barbara & Debbie, organizer and provider. Again, and as always, to Kamrie and Greg for advise, help, and that "told ya so" grin... And of course to "Satch", who has a heart as big as can be, for taking this foal to his heart tonight. He is just a little "Mystery" to both teach and learn from... So that name will be his... Some photos will be along in time... Alan... "Satch" & "Mystery" >>AWWW!! Hey Alan congrats! but don't you have to isolate ( quarantine) for a few weeks at least?? >>#16 is now gone. That would have been my pick. I just decided too late. Congratulations on your big and bold boy Countryeyes4u. Spiritedhorses tells me he will be spoiled rotten and have a wonderful home.Best of luck to you and your horses. I hear that there are many babies left that need homes.Just because Horse Fest weekend is over, does not mean that adoption time is over.Check into adopting one of these babies.They are each a precious life that could make yours even more precious. >>>>In talking with Barbara, with those that checked them off the truck, with seeing paperwork & Coggins, with listening to breathing and searching through end results & by products... I have no evidence or fear of anything contagious. They were properly passed through customs and probably checked over more than some of the horses I have ridden with on trail rides the past few seasons. "Satch" is more than well cared for and up to date on everything, so I believe in letting the bonding of these two take place and giving stability and confidence back to the youngster. They will both be watched for sure, as always for anything. But I also believe in health from a solid spirit as much as in vacinations and medicine. Chemicals have their place, no doubting that, the wonders of medicine. But from my watching and listening, inquiring of where they came from and how they were handled. The shipping and all I could learn about his past... I believe him to be one solid little rock. This is my feelings and I do appreciate your question "Habi", and thank you for the congrats, very much appreciated. Fresianedge, also thank you... and "Mystery" will be no more spoiled than "Satch" ever was. If anything, by placing them together and seeing the two of them melt into a bonded pair was the biggest gift that will ever come into their lives. You are correct also, in that there are many babies yet to be placed. I also understand that some folks asked to have one or two saved for them, and that they would come to get them. This being before the event and the babies were, as of yet, not picked up. I hope those who asked, keep their word and adopt. And for those who have an interest, please do call and make the time to see them. I originally had no intention, then my heart opened. A commitment yes, but one that will bring so much back in emotions and goodness. Appreciation to all for the kind words. And hoping the best for the rest of the little ones. >>Alan, I had to laugh on Monday when I saw that you were there with a trailer picking up a baby. I told my fiance that you were probably just trailering for someone. I also told him you had said you would not be buying another horse as I had read your post just that morning. I am so happy for you! He is a beautiful and spunky baby. Good luck! >>>>Thanks Lisa. I am still chuckling to myself also. And I had to own up to my original post of no way, no how, can't do... Mindset lasted only for two visits, heart won out on the third. Usually happens that way in my life, and that's part of the "Mystery." I do have a few photos on disc now, ready to be loaded into the PC. If anyone would like to share a quick view, easiest to just send an email to my link here... put "Mystery Photos" in the subject, and I will be happy to share (also if they can be inserted into the email, or better to be an attachment.). Eventually, when I have the pick of some really nice photos, I will ask Ben's to place those on the Gallery. Would also like to say, I did not chat much at the event. Was more into being with the foals than people at the time. If you saw me there, I spent most of my time in the midst of them, at their level on my knees. And I did ignore (may I say politely?) some people who did send a few words my way. I was not being impolite, but letting the foals have all my attention. Was an emotional experience, one I will never forget. For those who have said hi and kind words here, again thank you. And by all means, when you do see me again, please come up and catch my attention. "Satch" & myself love company, good folks and conversation. I am sure "Mystery" will follow in suit. ************************** This was an updated version that was published last year... Add this to the original story, and you now know how our lives met. In September of 2005 I gave a gift back to Satch. I acquired a PMU Percheron / QH draft cross. To be known as Mystery. For he was a mystery unfolding for sure. The bond between them was instantaneous. A 5 month old, 450 lb colt bolted from the trailer and ran directly under the neck of this wonderful mustang. Satch has been ever so much the protective and proud aoptive parent of Mystery since that afternoon. Since then, today Satch is 24 years old, graying slightly. Mystery now has turned 3 years old and is 17+ hands / 1,800 lbs. Stands over his adoptive dad, not under his neck anymore. But farther and son they remain. An ever watchful eye remains on this youngster by the faithful mustang. And the two black horses who have entered my life, have allowed me to be a part of their world, forever hold such a place in my heart. I have been asked now twice to sell Mystery. Once a very persistent woman / barn owner continually asked. Offering finally to say, "name your price, I'll give you whatever you want." I had said NO three time to her already. Finally I turned around and gave the ultimate. " There is no way on Earth, I will ever break the bond, the partnership of these two horses. I have been given a gift, of which I will never betray. These horses are my life, and I am their protection from folks like you. Never ask me again, nor approach me with money, for nothing could ever place value on two souls who haven given me all their trust." From this day, Satch and I have rode the trails all over New England. Our highlight I think was Acadia National Park in Maine, summer of 2007. Mystery is now in training, to become a trail horse. Never to replace Satch, for Satch is and forever just a legend. But Mystery hopefully will continue and add to such excitement Satch has provided to this world. Though they both be black steed of color. Such a colorful world they provide in my life. I am not the owner of these two, but their Guardian for sure. That's quite enough and a privilege to be. ********************************************************************** Satch and myself moved from New Braintree, Mass to Winchendon, Mass several years ago and just before the PMU auction. The new home came with nothing for a horse, but the neighbors when asked, all said yes to a horse in the neighborhood. Thus I bought the residence. Since then, a Amish run in shed / barn, a paddock was placed out back. Then another shed for added hay. All for one horse... LOL. As Mystery came along, it was here we go again. A secondary wooded paddock doubled the size for the boys. A larger truck, and a larger trailer. A diesel compact 4x4 tractor finally to help with what they do for me in the paddock. A York rake, and a scraper blade. A flatbed trailer to haul hay and the tractor. Does it never end???? As once said:" Cheapest thing you'll ever buy is the horse" ... oh how so true... LOL Saddles & tack, bits & bridles. Halters, grain, hay, shavings. And you know how the list is never ending. Some folks think this is a hobby, come shovel some of my hobby will you please is the response. This is a lifestyle, a choice, a commitment. It is such a life ! I have rode the wind & the surf. Though trails of wooded forest and open fields. From the Cape to NY state. Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Rhode Island. Along paths bordering cranbury bogs, to the sides of mountains. We have flushed out deer, turkeys, viewed wildlife in it's splendore. We are capable of forging rivers and blazing our own trails. It is a dream being fullfilled, and a promise to two wonderful horses, or as also stated, I am their "Guardian", and not their owner. I am blessed with their acceptence of me. For what I do pay in costs, it does not come close to what I recieve in heart & soul. The abundence of love, the strength of charector, the antics of play, and the personalities of two creatures bless me every day. That's our story and there is always more to come. I hope you have enjoyed. Alan |
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| Sannois | Feb 11 2009, 05:48 PM Post #2 |
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You're BANNED!
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Alan what wonderful stories. All I can say is I am sure any horse or person is so lucky to have a friend like you in there lives! Wonderful!
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| CDE Driver | Feb 11 2009, 05:57 PM Post #3 |
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It'll be an adventure! We're going on an adventure!
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Well, for heavens sake, you didn't warn me I'd need a Kleenex! What a delightful story! To your two boys. |
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| MissBri | Feb 11 2009, 06:25 PM Post #4 |
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But, I don't care - it's 5:00 somewhere
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Alan I just love reading that story.. Thanks for sharing it See I told you this was a welcoming place |
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| FlashGordon | Feb 11 2009, 07:58 PM Post #5 |
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You're BANNED!
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Ssuch a beautiful sentiment.... it can take a long time to learn that sometimes we need to let the horses be as they are. No different, no more, no less. That was a hard lesson for me but one I have finally learned I think. Loved the stories, your boys are luck to have you.
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| onthebit | Feb 12 2009, 10:53 AM Post #6 |
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Off visiting Candy Cave, be right back.
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You have two lucky horses Alan, although I am sure you will be the first to respond and say that you are the lucky one. |
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| gunnar | Feb 13 2009, 11:34 AM Post #7 |
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You're BANNED!
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You are a lucky man! |
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| stephjm | Feb 14 2009, 04:51 AM Post #8 |
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It'll be an adventure! We're going on an adventure!
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I finally had some time to read this whole story. So wonderful! I think the 3 of you were definitely meant to be together.
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| Trails by Day or Night... | Feb 14 2009, 12:36 PM Post #9 |
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Schooling
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First, I wish to say thank you for the kindness. The notes have been nice. It has been fun to share and think of some memories I treasure... again. I am blessed with two wonderful horses, yes. As I am sure most of the folks always feel about their horses also. But, I also tend to be more old fashioned in my way of life ( after 50... you can officially say that ) and tend to take stock more in believing in making memories for both myself and hopefully for the boys also. Trail riding has been a passion. Although riding with folks is a definite fun outing, some of the most memorable have also been solo rides in which Satch has shown me the unique abilities of the sense of a horse. Hearing, eyesight, smell, instinct are alert to more things far before I am able to comprehend, that has been proven many times over on our rides together. Well, in trying to keep this short ( a problem for me at times ) I will again say thank you all. I have begun to explore more on the areas here. I am also fighting with trying to find a proper size "avatar" to use... lol and stick. Oh well, in time on that. But, this does seem to be a very nice site! Enjoy your weekend. |
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| smorse | Feb 14 2009, 01:26 PM Post #10 |
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Shunnnnn the unbeliever. Shunnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.
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Alan, I think you would enjoy Carolyn Resnick's blog. Check it out:www.carolynresnickblog.com |
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