[Artemisia] Gaelin the Gentle passes

[Kim Rule]

Oh Yaas.

I remember when he came to the equestrian program.  First with his previous
owner, and then with you.  He was a power house, and in your hands blossomed
into a beautiful, courageous warrior.  I'm so glad you have kept him over
the years, and helped him to find himself.  

I'm so sorry for your loss. The stables of Artemisia will seem somehow
emptier for a while.

Una

-----Original Message-----
From: artemisia-bounces at lists.gallowglass.org
[mailto:artemisia-bounces at lists.gallowglass.org] On Behalf Of Willa Rose
Sent: Friday, January 29, 2010 9:19 PM
To: LIST-ArtStables; LIST-Aerie; LIST-Arnie; LIST-Jousting; Philip Hibbert;
William K. Terry; Landolf
Subject: [Artemisia] Gaelin the Gentle passes

It's been two days now, and its time to let his friends know.
Yaas
Willa


Gaelin the Gentle
01-25-86 to 01-27-10

Big boned 16Hh bay AppendixQuarterhorse with a kind and gentle heart. He
helped start the equestrian program in Artemisia, and my therapeutic
horseback-riding program for victimized kids. Before he came to me, he was a
track horse (California) and then a competitive jumper (Jackson Hole, WY),
and I think he played a little polo there too. His name then was ET (short
for Esperanca Two). I was told he was quite a handful in his younger years.
Some thought he was a crazy horse as he did buck his last owner off a few
times. I didn't believe that he was crazy, but that he only had vision
problems; and that he did. To me, he was a magnificent creature and said
'yes', when he was offered to me. Right away he was turned out for the
winter into a field with 7 other geldings. Watching him interact with the
other horses taught me that he lacked confidence. I changed his name to
Gaelin and told him he was retired from having to be brave, and only if he
wanted to, he could be brave; but it wasn't required. Within a few months,
he taught me that all he really needed was someone to trust, to guide him
with confidence. 
Over the years, several opportunities arose where we learned to trust him.
For almost 10-years the circle of trust flourished.

As an SCA gaming horse, he helped introduce foam-tip jousting, mounted
archery and crest-combat to Artemisians. Many Artemisian equestrians rode
him, from young kids to gamers to royalty. In the modern world, he carried
my husband Joseph to the top of some pretty steep mountains... I like to
think that Gaelin was his horse... and set the pace in many parades, which
we love to do, even behind noisy fire engines. He carried me on my first
sidesaddle canter; and down the polo field at a full gallop for my first
true "bump"... a tactical move for taking your opponent off the
line-of-the-ball so you or your teammate can steal it (the ball, that is)
away for a goal. Wow! That was a thrill! With such strength and endurance, I
could always imagine him in his youth and how he must've exploded over
fences in the jumping arena. Yet with all his mightiness, he was THE best
gentle lesson horse in my riding program. He understood what was needed of
him and enjoyed his retired life carrying little darlings around and helping
them to gain confidence in themselves. He would nuzzle them before and
afterwards and look longingly with his soulful eyes at me always
questioning, "What's next?" 
Gaelin was 24-years and 2 days old, and euthanized in peace January 27,
2010.

Out of all the horses I've had the honor to caring for, I felt a special
commitment to Gaelin; to do the best I could to spare his life from any
trauma. This prayer is befitting for such a giant of a heart of a horse.

And, my friend, when I am very old and I no longer enjoy good health,
hearing and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not
having any fun. Please see that my trusting life is taken gently. I shall
leave this Earth knowing, with the last breath I draw, that my fate was
always safest in your hands.

***