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Written by founder Anna Franklin 

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A week ago I lost something special

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My four hoofed companion, my soulmate

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My Pal.

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He wasn’t just a horse, he was a therapist, a best friend.

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The world feels empty, the paddocks feel bare, without the big brown thoroughbred gelding who just over five years ago became mine.

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I still cannot find the words I really want to say, but I want to say something so I can only but try.

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“I want to thank you Pal for all you did for me.

 

You got me back riding properly, you helped me canter again.

 

I did my first ever dressage test on you.

 

You got me two first ribbons in the same year.

 

I rode you on the beach and cantered you – a lifelong dream.

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I am so thankful for having you in my life.

 

When I first started riding you at Napier RDA little did I know that after a year or so you would end up being mine.

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We had our ups and downs but overall you were the best horse I could ever wish for.

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You and Flika had a bond that can never be broken.

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Everyone who met you loved you.

 

You were the most amazing therapy horse.

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We all miss you greatly as you became such a huge part in everyone’s lives you touched.

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To be honest I don’t even think it can be put into words how much you meant to me and how much I loved having you in my life.

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I know that for some reason it was your time to leave me, but I really hope that one day we will meet again.

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You will forever be my best buddy, my Pal.

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You are galloping free now my boy!”

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Written by Isabel Johnstone

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Pal. That's what you were. Anna's pal. You were a grumpy little old man but you enjoyed your work and did it with gusto. You gave so much joy to so many people. My favorite memories of you will be when we rode across the farm for the first time. Anna had so much fun and so did I. You babysat Freya over those few days and took anna further than she had been before.. You loved the river and powering up and down the hills. You were amazing.

 

Years passed and we all headed to the beach. It was a beautiful day and I cantered Freya over the sand. I was so hyped I decided I would take you and give you a race down beside the sea. I completely forgot you were a througherbred and that, unlike Freya, did not need encouragement to reach breakneck speeds! I also forgot that you could not be away from other horses.

 

The moment we galloped down the beach felt like flying. You were incredible. I never felt so free. I'd never gone so fast! And then you realised Freya was behind you. You slammed on the breaks, spun around and flew off back in the other direction, throwing me off your back and onto the wet sand. SIX MONTHS OF PAIN all for six seconds of freedom. I would do it all again just to laugh against the wind and fly.

 

Every time my neck hurts, everytme I get to ride my horses, I wll remeber your power, your grace and your grumpy little face.

 

Anna.

 

You'll always miss him, but he'll be with you as long as you remember the things he taught you. You will never really be apart, as you will always be a part of each other.

 

Pal

 

God saw you were getting tired And a cure was not to be

So he put His arms around you and He whispered "come to me"

A golden heart stopped beating

Hard working hooves went to rest

God broke our hearts to prove to us

He only takes the best

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