Albert Einstein once said the
only source of knowledge is experience.
Smart guy.
Coby gave me the experience
of a lifetime. He did more than just show me the ropes over the big stuff; he
taught me about life, about patience, about finding another answer instead of
staring at the obvious.
He gave me roots and then he
gave me wings.
First he taught me to take a
joke then he allowed me to give one. I’m
not sure who did more laughing, though. I think he probably got the better of
me more often than not; a head butt here, an “accidental” stomp on the foot
there. But at the end of the day there was still that look that said: “you’re okay, kid”.
He gave me confidence but
somehow kept me grounded. Anytime he saw a little chip popping up on my
shoulder he would quickly remind me that the saddle is no place for ego. After
dusting myself off I’d get back on and smash that chip right back where it came
from.
He often brought a fight to
the party, and he’d take off with you faster than you could blink an eye. After
one especially difficult day I said to him “Coby, I hate you. I love you more
than I hate you, but I hate you.” He just shrugged his shoulders and said
“Whatever. I’ll probably do it again tomorrow.”
And he did.
He’d see a window of
opportunity and jump on it. One time he found a loophole in my
bridle-off-halter-on transition and got loose at the Pinehurst Harness track
during a USDF show. Three rings of elegant riders and horses and one loose
Thoroughbred creating a wake of mayhem.
I’ve never seen a horse so
eager and so dangerous to the start box. Nanci warned me and she was right. He’d
bash your head in waiting for the countdown to finish and take off like his
tail was on fire. What a handful:
In his own way I know he’s grateful
to me for springing him from retirement for a while, he hated the silver
sneakers aerobics class, and I’m grateful to him for every bump, every bruise,
and every smile. We became partners that
horse and I, I got him and he got me. He may have hung up his shoes and folded
his pinney, but when he closes his eyes at night I’m quite certain he’s still galloping
from the start.
It was a good run, old
friend. Enjoy retirement and show those
young whippersnappers who’s boss.
Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God do you learn.
C.S. Lewis
