hanna

Hanna pictured here at 21 years old

It has been 3 years now since Hanna passed away and I am just now able to say farewell to my best friend. Hanna had been with me since I was just 4 years old, so learning to live life with out her has been a struggle. Hanna was quite old when she passed away. Over 35 years old. She was never in any pain or even lame in any way, but she was becoming unaware of what was going on around her. I was getting worried she would get hurt or lost in her big pasture. So the day she laid down for the last time and I held her until she took her last breath was actually a relief for me. I didn't have to worry about my friend getting hurt. But then I had to learn how to live with out my oldest and dearest friend. How do I feed the rest of my horses with out Hanna? How do I breath with out her. Who can I talk to when I am frustrated or sad. I have never know life with out Hanna.

Hanna is my 35 year old Arabian mare. She has been with me since the moment of her birth and will stay with me until the day she decides to leave this planet. She has been my best friend and loyal companion for the majority of my life.
My mother gave her to me when I was just 6 years old, hoping that we would form that special bond that most people only get once in a life time. Giving a high spirited young horse to a child can be a dangerous thing to do. But she knew that I was strong willed and she was going to have trouble dealing with me as a teenager if she didn't give me some good goals. Well, her gamble paid off. Hanna has kept me out of trouble and honest. She has had a big roll in making me who I am today.
She has loved me with out question and protected me from dangers and even my self. She has forgiven me when I could not forgive my self. She was this girl's best friend.
Now, she is teaching my own children how to ride and giving them a great respect for horses. Hanna is the most cherished of my horse family.

Hanna and April jumping at a 4-H show in 1981

Hanna stretching in the morning mist.

My Grandma Ruby giving Hanna a little kiss.
                                                                             state fair.
                                                   April and Hanna jumping at the Washington

Hanna romping in the green pastures of Washington.