What was lost cannot be regained and
much that once was, should not be pursued. For all their rugged qualities,
the rigors and near starvation that may have led to a stronger species
through natural selection, is not something I would choose to impose on
my mares. But even though of lesser stuff than long gone ancestors, my
mares still exhibit an unnatural strength, intelligence, and incredible
bravery. Kammy was as close to the myth as any mare I have ever known.
Kammy’s past is lost to me but for
the barest record. I can trace ownership, see where she lived, look at
some of her progeny, but I don’t know if she was loved or cared for or
just used as a means to an end. I have had mares that were neglected and
had not known affection or kindness. Some knew cruelty, but even the
lack of a human bond goes against the nature of the Arabian horse and it
becomes apparent as the mare grows older and loses something of herself.
They have so much to give, but few humans appreciate what a great gift
they have been offered; they miss it so they do not return the love, the
nobility, the integrity. Neglect inevitably leads to a loss of spirit and it is
that spirit that makes the Arabian horse different from other breeds. It
takes years of love and affection before the spark returns, if it ever
does.
As far as I know Kammy had not
been abused, but she had been neglected. Her diet had not always been the
best and she came to me with chronic lingering physical problems. It did not
appear that she had ever been anyone’s companion, but it didn’t take
long for her to respond to kind words and attention and she gradually
became responsive and loving. But there remained an aloofness in Kammy,
and when released with the rest of the mares for some social grazing in
the back yard, she would pal with her daughter for a bit, but then always
wind up on her own, happy to seek out the sweet, tender grasses no
longer growing in her paddock.
Kammy was the most gentle mare I
have ever owned. She was not used much, not bred a lot, and I do
not believe she was ever ridden, but her daughters are all exceptional and
her children, grandchildren, and great grand children are better for
having her in their blood. Kammy was a beautiful mare, but also tough
and brave. In spite of great pain, she kept getting to her feet day
after day and
going about the business of being a horse. When she was given "the shot" she fought the inevitable and had to be given a
second, and then even a third before her brave, strong heart finally
relinquished its hold on her precious life.
What a grand
lady she was; elegant, reserved, intelligent, and kind, but sadly under
appreciated during her life. Kammy possessed all those qualities we
laude in the Arabian horse. She came here to retire and the last years
of her life were marked by her finest accomplishment in her last
daughter. She lived those last years across the driveway from her
daughter and next to her great grandson. Now they help me keep her
spirit alive and I see a little of her in them, but Kammy was like no
other and her look and that thing that was the essence of her was
uniquely Kammy. She will never be replaced. At least not in my
heart.
