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Lyrin
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Lyrin |
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Claira Member
since 2008-05-11
Posts 102British but living in Thailand 
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I first met Lyrin in the summer of ’85. Lyrin was tall and stocky and boy was she bad tempered. You always knew she would be grumpy; just not to what degree. On a good day, she would only give you a look of disdain. Everyone was wary of her. Even Vanessa! The eldest and most experienced; she was a virtual goddess to my young eyes. After a particularly exhausting day, it was my turn to put Lyrin to bed. I took her reins and led her round the back of the block to her stable. I removed her saddle, rubbed down her back and patted her gently on the neck. After checking her hay and water, I gave her a tickle behind her ear and murmured a few words to her. She was in a placid mood that day or so I had supposed. It was not until after I had locked the door, grabbed her tack and was turning to walk away that she struck. Horses had bitten me before but never like this. She lunged. Teeth exposed, stretching her head over her door, taking a chuck out of my back. Literally……. Ok so it was only a small chuck but I was in agony. Thinking about it from Lyrin’s side, it is no wonder she was so miserable. She was probably about 17 years old then and had most likely spent a good ten years of that time working in the riding school. I do not think she ever had a day off. She had the worst stable too. Right round the back. To her left was a wall. In front, a tarpaulin covered haystack and to the right, the path leading past three other stables. She spent a lot of time in that box. She would be turned out for a couple of hours a day but then only into a small dusty, grass barren paddock. It was no surprise she was jaded. A few months later, I resigned from the stables. I got a job offer from the instructor who had taught me when I was younger. After three years working there, we heard that a riding school was closing and all the mounts were for sale. Caroline, my boss, bought Lyrin. Although Lyrin was still to be worked, she was to be semi-retired. At Caroline’s, the horses and ponies did not stay in their stables all day. In fact, during the summer months, they lived out in the fields. Big, big fields. I remember the first time I turned her out in one of these paddocks. The decision was made, that the best companions for Lyrin were; Mr Kip, a docile blue roan cob, Diplomat, a sleek bay part Thoroughbred and Little Brown Jug; who although half the size of the others, was extremely selective of her friends. I slipped Lyrin’s head collar off and settled back against the hedge to watch. She cautiously set out to explore her new pasture. Meeting and greeting the other residents. It soon became apparent that Lyrin could not believe her luck. With a flick of her tail, she was off. Racing around the meadow and kicking up her heels in pleasure before settling down to have a well earned roll on the ground, to relieve all the itches and aches. She was relishing her freedom. On Mondays, the riding school was closed and I only worked a half day. I set off across the fields, doing checks on water troughs and on the livestock in general. Some of the animals greeted me, most just raised their heads up long enough to see it was only me before continuing to graze. As I neared Lyrin’s meadow, something did not look right. I stood by the gate and counted. Only three. Where was Lyrin? I looked towards the corner and saw that the electric fence had been torn in two. After a quick repair, I searched to find some evidence of which direction Lyrin had gone. I followed the trail of destruction through the long grass and over a hedge. I climbed on top and look down onto the countryside track. There lay Lyrin. My joy soon turned to terror. When she saw me, she whinnied and struggled to stand. My biggest fear was that she had broken her leg. Then I noticed that she did not seem to be in pain, more bewildered. I got behind her and tried to push her up as she struggled once again to stand. Something was wrong. I started running back to the stables. I raced along the track and out onto the main road. I did not look. I am not certain when I started screaming for Caroline but as I turned onto the drive and vaulted over the gate, she was in the yard. I have no idea what I said or how I managed to convey what was happening. Caroline went to call the vet and I sprinted back to Lyrin. I put her large head in my lap, petted and soothed her as best I could. Soon, Caroline and the vet arrived. He examined her and they stepped away to talk. I was told to return to the stables. As I reached the end of the track, a truck was getting ready to reverse down towards Lyrin. I walked along the road, tears streaming from my eyes. Then I heard the shot. I fell to my knees letting out a guttural groan of grief. Lyrin had suffered a stroke. I am glad Lyrin had the last few months she did. My fondest memory of her is watching her trotting up the field towards me when called. Softly whinnying, her chestnut coat gleaming in the sunshine. Happy. [This message has been edited by Claira (05-21-2008 09:59 AM).] |
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| © Copyright 2008 Arbez - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Ok, Clair, you got your fair share of tears here... I'm a good candidate to melt with animal stories. One of the first books I ever read at a very young age was Beautiful Joe. It's a very old story - libraries usually have to order it from larger libraries in order to get it to the person who makes the request. If you can ever get your hands on it, you'll enjoy it. Lyrin's story would be good material for any veterinarian's magazine. You should submit!  Thank you. |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
A pleasure to read...James |
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Claira Member
since 2008-05-11
Posts 102British but living in Thailand |
Thank you so much Sunshine.  Animal stories always get me too. I'm like you, rarely been without animals around me. I'll keep a look out for Beautiful Joe, you never know, it may be in one of the second hand book shops here. You really think I should try and submit this? Wow, thanks.  I might make a couple of word changes but otherwise I don't want to add to or remove from it. Best get back to my homework before Mr 'Deer sees me. Love Claire |
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Claira Member
since 2008-05-11
Posts 102British but living in Thailand |
James, Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed. Claira |
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