In Memory of Mystic Firefly

[jawa]

I had to send my retired hunter over the rainbow bridge Friday.

I had already made the decision that he wasn’t going to have to deal with another winter, but I thought I had a few more weeks of wiggle room to make “definite” plans and come to terms with the finality of the decision.

Well, as it goes with horses (and this one in particular), he let me know that I wasn’t moving quickly enough.

Godspeed Mystic Firefly
March 19,1984 - October 12,2012

I first started riding him in the summer of 1989 (I was 19). He officially became my horse in 1996 and was semi-retired in 2006.

He was an amazing athlete and a very sensitive, but sensible ride even though he was a bit (OK, alot) neurotic. There were SOOO many things he WOULD NOT do…but because of all the things he did with the most amazing grace I loved him. I will miss him dearly.

Opening Meet

Farmington Hunt VA Hunt Week

The links are FB, but are set to public.

[5chestnuts]

What a handsome couple you two made!

No doubt he’ll be waiting for you at the Bridge, ears pricked for the sound of the horn and the hounds.

[kookicat]

I’m so sorry.

[BasqueMom]

Hugs! What memories you will have to comfort you!

[SLW]

It sounds like he gave you a lifetime of fond memories to remember him by. ((Hugs))

[Hinderella]

I’m sorry for your loss. I’m sure that he had a wonderful life with you, right up to the very last day. He was certainly a handsome fellow, and looked as though he loved the hunt!

[shea_smom]

Aw. So sorry for your loss. What a good long life he had.

[ridingagain]

So sorry for your loss…Godspeed, Mystic Firefly!

[skydy]

You both look so happy in your photos. You did right by him. ((hugs))

[Somermist]

I am so sorry. Hugs.

[Hippolyta]

So sorry. It looks like you had many adventures together. losing a friend & partner just SUCKS. Hopefully you will be able to think of him without pain by the next time you see a firefly blinking at you.

[JSwan]

Jawa -

I’m very sorry for the loss of your great friend. I’m glad you had so much time together.

[Lifting_Chickk]

So sorry for your loss. He was a handsome fellow!

[Nlevie]

Nothing better than a good hunt horse ! RIP - he will have lots of good company in hunting heaven. . .

[gypsymare]

I’m so sorry… I’ve always loved this poem. I suppose it’s more of an old horse poem but I always thought it sounded like a proper eulogy:

Hark! Old horse.
Please meet me at the gate.
Hounds are leaving kennels soon,
And we will not be late.
Step up. Old horse.
Carry me to the meet.
Our years together count for much,
Though you’re no longer fleet.
Trot on. Old horse.
I know you hear the horn.
The hounds are in the valley now;
The fox is in the corn!
Kick on. Old horse,
My soul mate and my friend.
Our years together hunting are
The best that’s ever been.
Leap up. Old horse.
Take the bit and fly!
I still trust you like a brother,
Even though the fence is high.
Walk on. Old horse.
We’ll soon be hacking in.
Your nicker rests beside my heart.
Our souls entwine within.
Hark! Old horse.
The years reveal our fate.
If we should part before we wish. Please meet
me at the gate.

Carla Hawkinson AKA “Fluffy”
Tennessee Valley Hunt

[jawa]

Thank you for all the kind words.

gypsymare, I love that poem.

[wateryglen]

jmho!

No doubt he’s gone on to wait to hunt with you when you get there. We’ll all be hunting together someday again I hope.
God Bless You. It’s hard. Celebrate the good memories. Love him always!

[whicker]

I’m sorry, Jawa, {{{big hugs}}}
It is such a hard thing to do, even when you know the time has come.

He looks like a happy comrade in crime. He appears bigger than the horses we have seen you hunting with us. You must have many tales of derring- do with him.

[Kryswyn]

So sorry for the loss of your friend. I know he’ll be waiting for you at the gate.

[Sunlight_Star]

([{HUGS}]) He was so very lucky to be loved by you.