Tribute To A War Horse

Danny was, and is, more to me than just a horse. I watched him grow from the time he was about 16 months old. I raised him with the help of my wife, and some others. He has been here on our farm for what seems like an eternity. And in reality has only been six short years. He was drafted into the cavalry when I started this unit a few years ago, and has served as a splendid and talented warhorse after only a year or so. He took to reenacting like it was what he was meant to do. It got to the point that if he heard a rifle shot, even at home, he would run to the fence to see if the Rebs were coming. Well, this year came upon us and it would have been a break out year for him. Then the unexpected happened. He developed Ringbone Disease, and was getting nothing but worse. So it was with a heavy heart that my wife Chris and I decided that it would be best to put him down rather than watch him suffer. Putting Danny down, was not an easy decision to make. Part of me knows that it was the right thing to do, and then a part of me feels like I betrayed him. I just wanted all that see this to know that Danny will be missed and the love I have for him will never die.  And, to Danny I will say…”CHARGE”!!!!!!

                                                           Miss You Little Man,

                                                              Kyle D. Hemsted

	To my sheep dog,   Through the years of having you I have always thought that you would be by my side.  I rode you 2 months ago and everything was fine.  Then, just a few weeks ago, I found out that we had to put you to down.  I have thought really hard why?  I guess that God has his grand plans for everyone.  I just wonder why it always has to be so hard.  When someone close to you dies.  I wish you the greenest grass, carrots and all the time running around with the one that God took away a year ago.  I know that Johnnie now has his cavalry horse and he is looking down at us with a huge smile and letting us know that everything is ok.    With all my love,   Chris

May They Ride Forever