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Remembering the most important horse in my life…
Lynn | Apr 09, 2011 | Comments 9
Today would have been his 20th birthday. At 2:35 AM, April 9, 1991, Sky (Abduls Bright Sky) took his first breath.
Future Champion
The final chapter of Amazing Grays, Amazing Grace, is all about the relationship I had with Sky (aka The Spotted Wonder) and what it taught me about my own walk with the Lord. It taught me that worldly success brings temptation leading to heavenly failure.
Sky noticed everything
The last chapter of Amazing Grays was written on Sky’s 18th birthday, just a few months after I let him go. He was in my arms when he took his first breath, and I held his head when his noble chest stilled for the last time. That last chapter was written on Good Friday, April 9th, 2009. Coincidence? I think not.
Happy Birthday, Sky!
What a special and unique individual Sky was. We were blessed to find and bring home his last two offspring over a year ago. Their story is told in my new book coming out soon, He Came Looking For Me.
Even though Sky isn’t the subject of either book, without him there would have been no story or message to share.
Sky stamped his babies so well I could pick them out from any lineup. Each is different, yet they reflect enough of their sire that I always know them.
Our first ride
Ace and Shiner came home (sold as weanlings, now 11 years old!) after I recognized them in an on-line photo in the Fort Worth Star Telegram.
God’s handiwork for Amazing Grays Ministry began 20 years ago when Sky was born, though He didn’t share that fact with us until a year and a half ago.
Sky was a piece of my life’s puzzle that in some ways anchored much of the rest.
Thank God for Appaloosas
Let’s face it, Appaloosas are unique. I am so grateful I learned to be a trainer with mostly Appaloosas in the barn. They are smart, they are tough, and they are wonderful. Moving on to quarter horses was a cinch after years with the spotted darlings.
Sky represented his breed well, smarter than most of the people he encountered, and tough enough to teach me lessons I needed to learn.
Sitting in my chair that Good Friday morning two years ago, tears spilled onto the paper when I realized for the first time that Sky was sacrificed so I could learn the lesson I was too blind or stubborn to get any other way.
World Champion Reiner - and Dressage!
Sky began to win as a weanling and continued until he was retired. I kept the bronze trophies he won and some of the photos, as well as a bronze earned by one of his daughters while we still owned her.
Our last photo together
Everything else has gone. I don’t need evidence of what judges thought about him in years past; my own memories are far more valuable.
Some day I hope to let Sky know that I’m close to being as smart as he was, finally recognizing how great a gift he truly was. I’m sure he’s waiting for me, knee deep in lush graze, right beyond the Narrow Gate.
Thanks for the memories, Sky, and for your two boys waiting for me in the pasture this morning. I will always love you.
Sky and Me, Hoofprints Photography
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Filed Under: Faith and Family • Horses and Other Critters • Quotes and Ponderables
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Lynn, your Sky was beautiful. I know what it’s like to love a horse and lose him for whatever reason.
BUT! We have such a wonderful hope: “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.”
“And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.” (Rev. 19: 11, 14) That’s us! Hallelujah!
And maybe, just maybe, there’ll be different colored horses in that army like an App named Sky and a bay Walker/QHorse named Rex. Can’t wait!
Marsha
Marsha, perhaps Rex and Sky are grazing together already. I have a vision (not a received vision, just a picture in my mind) that Sky is grazing in great contentment until I walk through the Narrow Gate. When I pass through his head will raise up, he’ll turn his head “just because” – and we’ll be reunited. I fully expect that I’ll be training horses for those in the cavalry who will return to earth with Christ. Thanks for sharing.
Lynn
Beautiful post and great pictures. After reading Randy Alcorn’s “Heaven,” I’m convinced that Sky will be there in the new heaven and new earth. You will have lots of good riding days together.
Dan
Dan, I know that heaven includes horses, and probably many animals. I would love a revelation about the matter, but so far have not received one. This is a topic dear to my heart, but remains a mystery.
Would love to hear your thoughts.
Lynn
Once again you have touched my heart with your honest, open writing. To love an animal as you did Sky is truly a blessing from the Lord, and I understand that blessing. It was good to share this memory with you.
TJ, Sky would have appreciated your “attendance” at the celebration today, and on his behalf, I thank you.
Blessings,
Lynn
What a lovely post and tribute to such a wonderful companion and friend. I remember Sky and when he passed. You did a post and I swiped it for my blog. You put your feeling in each and every post. Most unusual in this our internet world. Thanks for all you do.
Everyone who has loved an animal, whether horse, dog, or cat, recognizes that love in others. Thanks, Bill. Maybe someday the bi-peds will take a lesson from those with four hooves or paws, about devotion, service, and honoring their Creator.