Monday, January 21, 2008

A Baby Boomer Dreams of Arabian Horses - Rhythm's Story Continues



Part One of the Baby Boomer Series

Rhythm's Story starts here

After we finally got the Arabian horse put back safely away in his stall, Dave needed to take the women back into Tacoma to their hotel. Both were still running on Eastern Standard Time and were exhausted. They were going to go to dinner and then hit the hay. They would be rising early in the morning to get to the airport to return home.

We decided that Lindsay and I would go along for the ride. WE had been planning on going out to dinner anyway. This way we would all go together. This gave us the opportunity to get to know both young women better and they got to know a little more about us.

At dinner we learned that the women had been riding together since they were five years old. I believe they had taken lessons at the same barn and even showed against each other. They both had learned the same riding technique.

They had lost touch for a time while the one went to work for Bazy Tankersly at her Al Marah Arabian farm http://www.al-marah.com/almarahtucson.html I'm not sure how long she worked there. But I did know that she had just recently returned.

She had very definite opinions about Arabian horses. She was very knowledgeable about conformation and would like to have taken Bint Gamaay Rose home with her. She did a good job of dealing with Rhythm. If this horse went to Massachusetts, she would be the one putting him into the full bridle.

It looked to us like these "girls" had been fast friends for their whole lives. They sure got along good and both were excited about Rhythm. But as it turns out, most of the bonding was actually happening over this trip. Dad had sent to trainer along for more input on how the horse was trained.

As far as Rhythm was concerned, the prospective buyer had been looking for a horse just like this. She wanted a big flashy chestnut. While I had told them before she even came to see him, he wasn't that big a horse, I had assured them he would fit the picture they were looking for.

Rhythm with long beautiful high set neck and big attitude was a pretty picture. Then adding in his long, thick, flowing mane and tail, the horse was even flasher than she had thought possible. The big question was the horse really trained enough for western pleasure.

By the time we left the restaurant (Olive Garden - Woo Hoo!), it was clear that she was going to tell her father this was the horse for her. I've learned a long time ago that it's not a sale until the money is in your hand. But for all intents and purposes, it looked like Rhythm was going to be beginning a new chapter in his life.

The next day the young women spent mostly in the air or on layovers in airports making their way back home. I didn't hear anything from anyone regarding this horse until the following day. What I did hear was that yes they wanted the horse. They would make arrangements for the money. The details would come later.

Somewhere in the course of all of this, I had another inquiry about Rhythm. I didn't want to send away a prospective buyer if I didn't have a sale. I called the dad again to see where we were for sure in this deal.

I think I sent Dad into a panic. He thought I was going to up the price. I explained more than once, that's not how I do business. If they wanted this horse, the price had already been determined. I would not change that even if I had a higher offer. In my book, a deal is a deal.

So we went over the specifics. He had contacted all of the right people to find out what he needed to bring a horse into the state. And he already made arrangements for transport. He asked me to get a vet to do the appropriate tests and paperwork. Things were beginning to roll.

We also began preparing ourselves for maybe saying "good-bye" to this once in a lifetime horse. Lindsay and Dave never really had to deal with any of the horse's antics. so their feelings were pretty clear. They only saw the people horse and great character he could be, neither of them was looking forward to Rhythm being gone.

For me, even with all of the stuff, because he was Solidare's only son, he already had a special place in my heart. But all of the hard things I go through, just make me appreciate all the more what I have. Rhythm had taught me plenty and I really valued his friendship. As I got ready to send him down the road, I began to realize how much.

To be continued.............


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15 comments:

  1. This makes me want to cry and if I didnt know how happy you are about his new home I would. I hope they keep you posted on his show career this year, it will be awesome to see how he does.

    Lori

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  2. Just a quick note and one of those me too things... I was an Al-Marah apprentice, although not at Bazy's. Her son, Mark, had a satellite farm in Florida for a number of years and offered an apprenticeship program there. I attended for 2 years and continued to be friends with the family after leaving. In fact, I also worked for Mark some years later at his dinner theater in Kissimmee, FL. Just one more note. The horse that I often have in my Blog, Boo, is an Al-Marah bred horse thru and thru. One of his four great-grandfather was Ranix on his Daddy's side. (Garcon was his Daddy and Canadian Beau his Grandfather)

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  3. I can't imagine going through so much with a horse (or even just working with one with no problems) and then selling him or her. It would break my heart, especially for such a pretty one!

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  4. Ah Ha Lori gave me a hint! Can't wait to read the rest!

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  5. Since the twins took all your time and money I'm sure this departure is very bitter sweet. How proud you must feel to have produced such an exciting prospect. I'm feeling the loss but hoping for updates in the future.

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  6. Thanks for visiting my blog! It sounds like Rhythm found a really great home, but I can't imagine how hard it was to sell him.

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  7. It must feel like selling your child -- or seeing them get married.

    How very hard!

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  8. Awwwww...looking forward to reading the next entry to see how this turns out! Talk about conflicting emotions...sheesh!

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  9. You sure know where to leave off!!! I cant wait to hear more!

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  10. that horse is astoundingly beautiful...

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  11. I hate, hate, hate selling a horse. I get so attached to them. Trust me, I know how you feel!
    :-)
    Beth

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  12. Great story, but this is so difficult. I don't know how you do it! I guess knowing there is a good home waiting makes letting go a little easier.

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  13. Wierd. I was just thinking that I hadn't visited your blog for a while, and up pops a comment from you on my blog. It's like soooo telepathic dude.

    Beautiful photographs, as always.

    Very hard to sell a horse you have spent so much time with. Well done.

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  14. Wow, it sounds like a perfect home for me, but sheesh. I wonder if I'll ever be able to sell a horse. Hopefully they'll send lots & lots of pictures!

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  15. Oops, I meant "perfect home TO me."

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