I’ve always said that Tribby was invincible, unable to be taken down by anything, he was the most resilient accident prone horse I could have asked for. Right off the bat, as a wee baby, Tribby battled botulism and survived thanks to the heroic efforts of his breeders. He went on to be a mediocre racehorse under the name Prince to King, as a show of his appreciation. From there, he retired and was MIA for a few years until Amanda found him and decided to take him home. I remember meeting him and immediately knowing he was MY horse. His sweet expression and big brown eyes stole my heart. I begged my parents for him with the gritty perseverance only a 16 year old horse-girl could have.
On November 20th, 2010 he became mine! On November 21st, we had our first show together and he was a monster! Classic. As he got fitter and more opinionated, he bucked me off almost constantly. My sticky seat is ALL thanks to him and his efforts.
Despite eating dirt so often, learning on Tribby was a once in a lifetime experience. We did hunters, jumpers, eventing, and he took to everything with the same gung ho attitude. Except dressage. We were not great at dressage.
He was a lot of horse for me, but was also capable of the kindest teaching. He taught Sean to ride and handle horses. He gave pony rides to kids. He took care of me for every trip off property.
When he was diagnosed with EPM, I was initially optimistic about his return to riding. However, within a year it became obvious that he was not the same.
Retiring him was hard. I still dream about riding him and I think often about what I’d do if I could go back and do it all again. Many of my best memories are on his back, looking through his ears. But being able to retire him and see him excel at his new job as my most favorite pet was so priceless.
I know he was loved everywhere he went, but I also know that he taught everywhere he went. Some lessons are so subtle, it’s hard to see them at first.
Tribby taught me how to ride with reckless abandon. How to gallop across big stretches of land and how to jump big 3 rail fences. I learned how to be brave and trust in him to care for me when I was on his back.
Tribby showed me how to care for the young spry 5 year old and the ailing senior horse.
Tribby taught me how to love with my whole heart and how that also means saying goodbye when the time is right.
He told me this summer that the time was now. It was time to give him his final apple and send him on to his next adventure.
So, goodbye for now, T. I can’t wait to see you again❤️