Did you read or hear the story about the little girl and her horse? Well, this isn't your average little girl, and certainly isn't your average horse tale. You see, for five years, this little girl dreamed she would get a brood mare (mommy horse) who would give birth to a foal who would grow up to be a winning race horse.
The little girl was not to be denied. She convinced her loving, (push-over) father to buy a mare. Since they did not live on a farm, they had to board the horse which can be very expensive. They bred the mare to an average sire. Average, as in not champion stock.
Sure enough, the mare gave birth to a foal. He was tiny but was "loved big." The little girl insisted he was going to be a race horse. And she named him MJB Got Faith. The MJB stands for the initials of the kids in her family.
Anyway, after training, the little horse was entered in a race. MJB Got Faith was so slow he barely even qualified to compete -- but then, miraculously, won his first race. Then his second race. Then his third and his fourth, qualifying him for the state championship held recently in Columbus, Ohio. Then this little horse, who was the dream of a little girl, won an Ohio Sire Stakes championship. The prize - $100,000.
Those of you who know me won't be surprised that I sobbed through the whole story this morning on CBS Sunday Morning. I cried because I understand that little girl's love for her horse. No - thing on this planet smells as good to me as a horse. I even loved the smell of horse poop. I make no apologies. If you have ever loved a horse, you understand.
I remember when we researched Poco's lineage - this horse that was bred to breed - and then discarded when the market for Premarin pills fell apart due to its serious and sometimes deadly side effects. (They have since re-purposed it into a cream form for women going through menopause.) Sorry, but that's the bottom line and, yes, I am bitter. I'm angry because, once again, an animal suffers for human pleasure. (Pardon me while I compose myself...heavy sigh.)
Anyway, weren't we surprised to learn she came from a long line of famous Quarter Horses. If you are familiar with Quarter Horses, you will recognize the name, Poco Lena. And Doc. Yes, the world is full of beauty discarded.
But the story of this little girl and her little horse is wonderful! It is something to celebrate. Because anytime faith is rewarded, we should all rejoice! A little girl who had faith, Got Faith in return. Oh, and did I mention, half of the prize money has been donated to charity? I guess you could call that spreading the faith.
No comments:
Post a Comment