Animals have always been a core part of my being. Never have I ever felt so passionate about one of God’s creations.

Horses, however, have a spot that most animals just can’t come close to. There’s something about the grace with which they move, the softness of their eyes, and the beauty of their colors. They live with such reckless abandon and yet find peace in the simplest of lives. I often found myself wishing I were like a horse when I was a child. Oh, how amazing life would be if I could just run as fast as I could, play when I felt like it and rest in green grass when I tired. I’d have limitless space and explorations aplenty. What a life that would be, right?

As I grew older and got a horse of my own, it was confirmed just how special these animals were. I bonded with, cared for, and loved them; I pushed us to new limits. I laughed at their silliness, the side that non-horse-people fail to see, the gentleness behind the giant.

And when I went to college, I knew I wanted to study more about these amazing creatures. So I minored in Equine Science – well, just shy of a minor technically. But it fueled my passion for them. I loved learning more about how they worked, what made them move the way they did, they way they think. I’ve continued to learn and grow, now at the still-young-age of 22. And horses are just as much a part of my life now as ever. I’ve got 3 very different personalities that make up the herd and I couldn’t be happier to get to learn about them more and more every day.

But, unfortunately, these creatures I love so much don’t get to live forever. And, Angel, my beautiful and petite quarter horse has to be put down today because of a sudden stroke.

She was my western beauty who had been raised on the Barrels and 4-H Fairs galore. Unlike many horses that have their vices to work through, she had none. NONE. She was never temperamental, even though she was a mare. She was completely bomb-proof, loved kids and loved giving them rides even more. She was a true companion, one that helped me grow more than I could ever help her grow. She showed me what a true serving-heart looks like. And I couldn’t be more grateful for that.

Though I’ll miss her dearly, I’ll never forget the memories of her that I’ll treasure forever. She’ll always hold a special place in my heart and I hope one day I’ll be able to see her again in heaven. I know our souls are completely different, hers in no need of saving. But I’d like to think I’ll see her again someday, happy and playful like she used to be before – maybe back at those barrels she loved so much or munching on a fresh Honeycrisp apple.

Until then, I’ll be missing you, friend. Thank you for what you’ve shown me in your time here on this earth. I’ll never forget it.

Love you, Angel.