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In Memory of Golden Nugget
19XX-2006
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Nugget was the wisest horse I have ever had the privilege of knowing. I learned so much just from observing how he handled situations. He was one of those horses that did well in any herd because he knew how to get along with others. He was never in a hurry and never got into another horses bubble. No one knows for sure what Nuggets origin or actual age was. He came to us in his early thirties when my quiet sweet spirited daughter, Mattie, outgrew her first pony. He stood 12.5 hands tall and had a beautiful golden coat with a silvery mane & tail.
Nugget was a sweet soul with a wise demeanor and endless patience. On his first day home, Mattie took him for a walk around the farm. She led him over to meet our dog who was chained up for chasing cars. The dog promptly ran around Nugget in her eagerness to greet the new horse. I looked up when Mattie called me and saw Nugget gazing at me with an expression that clearly said "I could your help here when you have a minute". He never moved a muscle other than to turn his head my direction.
He attended fun shows and county fairs where he won Mattie many ribbons and a priceless wealth of experience. He never allowed her to be in a situation where she might get hurt...sometimes refusing to do what his 8 year old rider asked because he thought it wasn't safe. After a period of walk trot/classes they moved up to walk trot canter classes and Nugget faithfully took care of his young charge even in large classes of fast moving horses. He wasn't without a sense of humor when it came time for Barrels though. He would sometimes turn around and canter home after the second one grinning all the while at how he had pulled a fast one.
After Mattie outgrew him, Nugget moved to teaching other children to ride in lessons here at The Horse Farm. He was a favorite of children and parents alike due to his tolerance and gentle nature. In addition to teaching 3 lessons a week, Nugget's duties included pocket inspection and property patrol. When we were outside, he was often turned loose to graze where the grass was the best and he was the envy of all the other horses for that special treat. The experiences he gave my timid daughter were all positive and he looked after her with great diligence. His gentle wisdom and sweet spirit will never be forgotten. Farewell my golden friend, I shall never forget you.
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