Though like all registered American Quarter Horses, Tank
turned another year older on Jan. 1, his actual foal date is Feb. 18. For reference, a 27-year-old horse is roughly equivalent to a
78-year-old human. (And to answer the question nearly everyone asks, horses live an average of 25-30 years.)
Tank is finally starting to show his age, though he’s still
in remarkably good shape for an old guy. I’m currently working with his vet and
farrier on a non-life-threatening lameness issue that is keeping me from riding
him. Even so, we have had to turn him out alone in a smaller enclosure because
he was goofing with the younger horses and galloping around like a maniac
because of the cooler weather. He still gets plenty of grooming, carrots, and
treats, and I’m going to look into alternate activities to do with him while he’s
temporarily sidelined, and for when riding is permanently off the table. Maybe
I can teach him to paint!
At the end of this month, we will have been together for 18
years. I’d wanted a horse since childhood, and when my husband and I were
contemplating relocating to Florida (his home state) from California (mine), he
sweetened the deal by promising that I could have a horse if we made the move. I
don’t think either of us really thought that would be possible, but I filed
that promise away for many years until time and finances made it possible to
consider. Tank has been one of the best investments of time and money I’ve made
in my life.
Tank has been a friend and partner through
adventures, he’s taught me lessons in patience, sacrifice, kindness and
courage. During our rides, he’s helped me dig deep to conquer fear. I’ve learned
to put aside my own comfort to give him what he needs when he’s sick or injured
(twice a day visits to the barn to flush wounds or medicate eyes during the height
of summer heat and humidity…). I’ve cried into his mane, and allowed the sound
of him munching hay soothe the sore spots in my heart. We’ve gone on
trail rides, explored different types of terrain and jumps at Fannin Hill Farm,
and hit the water together at a lake and the beach. I’ve spent hours just
hanging out with him while he grazes. And as a bonus, I’ve met some of my
closest friends at the two barns where he has lived. I’ve written about our
experiences many times here on Catching Happiness. A few highlights:
I wrote about the process of finding him for the AQHA’s member magazine:
I’ve “learned to speak horse” and hosted horse birthday parties.
I’ve imagined what it would be like “If My Horse Had an Instagram Account.”
I’ve learned so many life lessons along the way, like this one.
And I’ve shared some of our more mundane experiences in “Look Mom, No Cavities!” and “A Little Off the Top and Sides and…Belly.”
Here are a few photos from our time together. Happy birthday, Tank—thank you for all the simple pleasures and everyday adventures!
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| Fannin Hill |
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| Our first day together |
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| Beach boy |
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| Experimenting with riding without a bridle |
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| Ho ho horse |
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| In his prime, with a shining summer coat |
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| The two of us just hanging out |
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| Summer 2021 |
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| Tank and Paloma, the first of his lady friends at our new barn |
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| Contemplating life |
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| Snoozing |
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| On the trail |
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| Happy New Year 2022 |
