MP_the4pack Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 I received a letter this morning from my leasee that Hearty (aka Heartman, Heart of Gold, Spoiled Rotten Thoroughbred)was put to sleep last week. Born Valentine Party, a Bold Ruler grandson (Secretariat's nephew), he was graceful, gorgeous as well as kind. And he looked just like his grandpa. I wasn't looking for a thoroughbred, too high strung for me. But he just kind of fell into my lap. And he turned out to be the most patient, kindest teacher I had. I had my young nieces on his back without any worry that he'd do something stupid. In fact, one niece after only 10 months of lessons at an old hack barn, showed Hearty in the short stirrup class at a rated show. She placed second in jumping. All she needed was do her 2 point position(jumping position), point Hearty to the first jump and then just hold on. All he did was trot over the bitty crossrails, but he took care of his small rider. At the same time, I have a picture of him jumping a 5 foot oxer. Oxer meaning, two jumps that he needs to take in one leap. In order for him to clear this, it means he would have cleared my 5'7" frame if I stood between the two rails. When I first tried him out I was pretty green. But he asked me "which jump", "how high" and "what do you want me to do on the other side". Such a gentleman. This doesn't mean I never came off him. He had a big engine in the back. So if I didn't place him right heading for a jump he would take it long. He could take a jump from fairly far away and still clear it. But he had so much power in his hind end that he would literally jump me loose. I'd be sitting there in mid-air before the jump while he was clearning it. (ok, that was a little cartoonish, but it seemed like that). If I fell off Hearty, it was my fault, not his. And personality. He acted just like any of my greyhounds. I'll never forget one instance. I had a chiropractor come regularly to adjust him. I cut it down to every other month to save a few pennies. Well we had just moved to a new barn and someone there was using Hearty's chiropractor monthly. So when Sue Ann came to adjust the other horse, Hearty had a fit. I wasn't even there because he wasn't supposed to get adjusted. Well he circled his stall, swishing his tail in anger. Then he put his face in his feed bucket, ears pinned back, glaring at the horse in the aisle. Then he'd pace again. It was so obvious what he was saying that Sue Ann took him out of his stall and gave him an adjustment for free. At a rated show one day I was in a silly mood and registered him under the name "Spoiled Rotten Thoroughbred". His real show name was Heart of Gold. We did very well at this show and it was announced over the loud speaker that the Grand Champion of the day was Spoiled Rotten Thoroughbred. My instructor wasn't too pleased. She didn't know I did that. I showed for fun, I didn't worry about accumulating year end points. I never had to chase him in the pasture when I went to get him. I just called and would walk up to me. I could turn around and head back to the barn without a lead rope and he'd follow. But as kind as he was, he still showed me he was a Bold Ruler grandbaby. I was on a trail ride with several people one day. One of those riders was on a squirrelly quarter horse. Her horse took off and Hearty decided to show me what his Uncle Secretrariat used to do and took chase. I have never been at that speed before or since. Scared the bejesus out of me. It was a wide flat long dirt road and Hearty let it all out. I don't think I took a breath or heart beat in that entire ride. It wasn't until the other horse was pulled into the field to the side did he finally slow down. I do remember the wind in my face and thought that if he tripped, we're both dead. I have a lot of pictures of him in motion. Beautiful, graceful, but they are all on print. Here's the only digital one I have. You might be able to see, he had an almost perfect heart on his forehead. Thus Hearty. Rest in Peace baby. Even though you spend you last years up in Connecticut I will always be your Momma. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greybookends Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FiveRoooooers Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 Horses like Hearty are worth their weight in gold. How he could take care of the littles but still give an experienced rider the rides of their life. Good boy. I'm sorry you and so many of Hearty's friends are missing him now. Godspeed Hearty, find Digger and Skokie, they'll show you around. Quote Old Dogs are the Best Dogs. Thank you, campers. Current enrollees: Punkin. AnnIE Oooh M Angels: Pal . Segugio. Sorella (TPGIT). LadyBug. Zeke-aroni. MiMi Sizzle Pants. Gracie. Seamie . (Foster)Sweet. Andy. PaddyALVIN!Mayhem. Bosco. Bruno. Dottie B. Trevor Double-Heart. Bea. Cletus, KLTO. Aiden 1-4. Upon reflection, our lives are often referenced in parts defined by the all-too-short lives of our dogs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaineysMom Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 what a beautiful boy he was!!! I'm so sorry he had to leave Quote Kim and Bruce - with Rick (Rick Roufus 6/30/16) and missing my sweet greyhound Angels Rainey (LG's Rainey 10/4/2000 - 3/8/2011), Anubis (RJ's Saint Nick 12/25/2001 - 9/12/12) and Zeke (Hey Who Whiz It 4/6/2009 - 7/20/2020) and Larry (PTL Laroach 2/24/2007 - 8/2/2020) -- and Chester (Lab) (8/31/1990 - 5/3/2005), Captain (Schipperke) (10/12/1992 - 6/13/2005) and Remy (GSP) (?/?/1998 - 1/6/2005) at the bridge"Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut." -- Ernest Hemmingway Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
galgrey Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 Godspeed Hearty. Quote Cynthia, & Cristiano, galgoAlways in my heart: Frostman Newdawn Frost, Keno Jet Action & Chloe (NGA racing name unknown), Irys (galgo), Hannah (weim), Cruz (galgo), & Carly CW Your Charming Princess http://www.greyhound-data.com/d?i=1018857 "It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life, gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are." -- Unknown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4greyhounds Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 I am very Sorry! Quote Darlene Mom to: Aladdin, Sophie ,Pongo, Jasmine, Relic Forever in our Hearts Champ at the Rainbow Bridge. Let a greyhound race into your heart Adopt Bay Area Greyhound Adoptions INC. Naples/ Fort Myers Chapter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Time4ANap Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 We are very sorry for your loss of Hearty. Don and Chris Quote Camp Broodie. The current home of Mark Kay Mark Jack and Gracie Kiowa Safe Joan. Always missing my boy Rocket Hi Noon Rocket, Allie Phoenix Dynamite, Kate Miss Kate, Starz Under Da Starz, Petunia MW Neptunia, Diva Astar Dashindiva, and LaVida I've Got Life Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
racindog Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 (edited) I too am a horsewoman. That eye! You being a fellow horsewoman know what I'm talking about. Its unmistakeable and tells so much of the super special TB he was. I also couldn't help but notice the white off hind leg. A 'sign of the good' even in the presence of other white feet. He was very handsome. Such a remarkable example of a TB. I have found very few of them to even approach the level of Hearty. He obviously was a truly special horse and I'm so sorry he had to leave. Thanks for sharing some of his neat stories! :f_red :f_red Edited January 31, 2012 by racindog Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maryz Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 I'm so sorry. Horses are such beautiful creatures. Quote Mary, mom to kitty Rebel.Always missing Sherri (SO DELICIOUS) (12/6/2005-8/29/2018) kitties Marley (4/2000-12/3/2015) and Beady (4/1998-2/24/2006) and Dalmatian Daisy (7/25/1984-5/13/1999). The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not - Thomas Jefferson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 I am so sorry Your stories of Hearty brought back memories of my horse Sandy, he was very much the same personality. It is such a special bond. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinw Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 I'm so sorry. He was a real beauty! Quote Xavi the galgo and Peter the cat. Missing Iker the galgo ?-Feb.9/19, Treasure (USS Treasure) April 12/01-May 6/13, Phoenix (Hallo Top Son) Dec.14/99-June 4/11 and Loca (Reko Swahili) Oct.9/95 - June 1/09, Allen the boss cat, died late November, 2021, age 19. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KahluasMagic Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 I am so sorry. He was gorgeous. Quote Lynn Missing Pepper,Magic,Kahlua, Hobbit Ziggy Jasper and Bella Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greyhead Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 Hearty was an amazing creature, just about perfect! I doubt I've ever felt quite this...elevated, when reading in Remembrance. Thank you for sharing Hearty with us. I am sorry for your loss. :f_red Quote Mary with Jumper Jack (2/17/11) and angels Shane (PA's Busta Rime, 12/10/02 - 10/14/16) and Spencer (Dutch Laser, 11/25/00 - 3/29/13). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winnie Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 I'm so sorry for your loss of Hearty. I enjoyed reading your tribute. He certainly was a special boy. Quote Laura with Celeste (ICU Celeste) and Galgos Beatrix and Encarna The Horse - Gracie (MD Grace E) Bridge Angels Faye Oops (Santa Fe Oops), Bonny (Bonny Drive), Darcy (D's Zipperfoot) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carronstar Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 I am so very sorry. Love that beautiful eye. Godspeed, Hearty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest patgam Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 Godspeed Hearty! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sarabz Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 Oh, I'm so sorry. I haven't yet found my "heart horse" but reading this inspires me to not give up. Quote Dave (GLS DeviousDavid) - 6/27/18 Gracie (AMF Saying Grace) - 10/21/12 Bella (KT Britta) - 4/29/05 to 2/13/20 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riverhound Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 :f_pink Quote Masterful Joe and Naughty N Nice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jettcricket Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 Mary Pat....I'm so sorry in the loss your most beautiful boy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaryJane Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 I'm sorry, he looks like such a beautiful horse in your picture. Thank you for sharing your stories. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mychip1 Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 Magnificent. My Thoroughbred lived to 32 years as well. (He was born on 4/30/76). I have such a soft spot for the breed. Hearty was just beautiful. What a long, wonderful life he had with you.... Quote Robin, EZ (Tribal Track), JJ (What a Story), Dustin (E's Full House) and our beautiful Jack (Mana Black Jack) and Lily (Chip's Little Miss Lily) both at the BridgeThe WFUBCC honors our beautiful friends at the bridge. Godspeed sweet angels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turbotaina Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 What a lovely tribute. He sounds like he was quite the character. I'm so very sorry for your loss Quote Meredith with Heyokha (HUS Me Teddy) and Crow (Mike Milbury). Missing Turbo (Sendahl Boss), Pancho, JoJo, and "Fat Stacks" Juana, the psycho kitty. Canku wakan kin manipi."Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities." - Voltaire Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sabrina Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 Sorry for you loss of Hearty at such a young age Quote Caroline, Mom to Daphne (49B-50215) and Penny (41D-55779)Remembering Bridge Angels Margo and Sabrina Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hubcitypam Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 (edited) Run free among the stars Hearty. Edited January 31, 2012 by Hubcitypam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 I'm so sorry for the loss of your incredibly talented friend. Godspeed, Hearty. Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.