MagicFad Loc: Clermont, FL

Kansas passed away last week, over the last few years he developed a rare form of cancer and had many tumors on his body and on his internal organs, he was never in any pain. He was my friend for over 14 years.

The Foal

I'll lend you for a little while my grandest foal, HE said.
For you to love while he's alive and mourn when he is dead.
It may be one or twenty years, or days or months, you see,
But will you, till I take him back, take care of him for Me?
He'll bring his charms to gladden you, and should his stay be brief,
You’ll have treasured memories as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught on earth I want this foal to learn.
I've looked the wide world over in my search for teachers true.
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes, with trust, I've chosen you.
Now will you give him total love, not think the labor vain,
Nor hate Me when I come here to take him back again?
I know you'll give him tenderness and love will bloom each day,
And for the happiness you've known, forever grateful stay.
But should I come and call for him much sooner than you'd planned,
You’ll brave the bitter grief that comes, and someday, understand.

Rest in peace my friend.

luvmypets Loc: Born & raised Texan living in Fayetteville NC

Beautiful, beautiful horse. I know he brought you many happy memories and much love. What a heart- warming tribute to a great friend.
My deepest condolences.

MagicFad Loc: Clermont, FL

Thank you.

joehel2 Loc: Cherry Hill, NJ

He was a beauty, very sorry for your loss. It is a blessing that you have photos that captured better days.

MagicFad Loc: Clermont, FL

I was blessed to have him as a friend.

dmeyer Loc: Marion, NC

Such a beautiful horse! (Was Kansas considered an Overo Paint?) Did you show him competitively or ride him on trails? The verse is so appropriate--I wish I had seen those comforting words when I lost my palomino Quarab after a decline of several weeks. Horses have such an amazing capacity to learn, please, and forgive. Kansas was one of the lucky horses to be in a home where he was cherished.

P.S. May I share your tribute with my sister? I have no way to give proper authorship.

yuccarob Loc: Las Vegas, NV

I think you were both blessed to have each other. Sorry for your loss and know you will miss him deeply.

MagicFad Loc: Clermont, FL

Thank you for your kind words. I'm sorry to hear about your horse, another saying comes to mind; "Some horses come into our lives and quickly go. Others stay a while, leave hoof prints on our hearts and we are never, ever the same".
Yes, he was considered an Overo, subbed to Sabino.

His registered name is Parrs Special Edition

MagicFad Loc: Clermont, FL

:)

MagicFad Loc: Clermont, FL

You may share any of it with whomever you like. I have no problems with that. I don't know who the author of the poem is, all I have ever seen is unknown or anonymous.

Kansas was still robust and appeared quite happy and healthy. He had 2 large tumors around his larynx and it was starting to obstruct his breathing, they were growing quite rapidly.
I trained Kansas for reining and he could be ridden bridleless using only leg cues. I mostly used him for pleasure.

dmeyer Loc: Marion, NC

When I was a small child, the man who trained some of the horses for my sisters and I was the loud, threatening kind. He got results out of intimidation. I am so thankful that the trend changed to pressure release and letting the horse actively/willingly decide to do what was being asked of it. I still can't go to small local rodeos and horse shows where abuse still runs rampant. I cringe every time someone jerks on a horse's mouth or jabs the spurs into it's sides. I want to shout out that it's the rider that needs trained, not the horse!

John Lawrence

What a beautiful tribute to a lost friend. You should frame it along with the pictures. I'm so sorry for your loss. Our animal companions become lasting members of our family. We lose a piece of our heart when we lose them.

4ellen4 Loc: GTA--Ontario

lovely shots of a great friend.

MagicFad Loc: Clermont, FL

I will do that when I am able, right now it is too soon. Thank you for your kind words.

angler Loc: StHelens England

What a beautiful tribute and also lovely shots.