Apollo’s Medical Bills

My name is Apollo. Although I’m in greener pastures now, i’d like to ask you all a favor to help my momma Barbara pay for my most recent medical bills. For those of you that don’t know my full story, Barbara saved me. I was a fancy show horse who got hurt with my first owners. They proceeded to give me away after shipping me from Germany and paying $50.000; luckily they gave me to my mommy Barbara who healed me instead of turning me out to pastures. I had another horse friend named Phillis. I love making friends. I pretty much loved all animals, even the little ones that barked.

After my tendon healed, I spent most of my days being a super star in a show ring where I taught the young and old how to perform and win. I loved jumping. Luckily with Barbara I never had to jump super high like when I was a baby…. I won all kinds of ribbons and got so much love from my riders. They braided my hair and I had VIP stalls and show level attention for over a decade of my life. I loved eating and drinking and splashing in water buckets but I especially loved sneezing on Rose or anyone really, when they had that funny helmet and their button up jackets on. That was called their show outfits but it made me laugh seeing their reaction to my Snot everywhere.

I was an honest horse. At least that’s what they said about me. I loved all things with Barbara on my back. I loved going around the pasture or the show rings, I loved when we went faster and she made me feel so pretty bridled and forward. I never refused obstacles, I loved going on trail rides I had great feet and big bones so everyone was safe when they were with me.

I was a creative, smart and kind horse. I spoke a lot of English so it was easy for me to listen and predict things but sometimes I’d really test the kids and they’d have to hug me with their little legs really hard before I’d move. Oh I remember how I loved getting the biggest hugs from the littlest people. I had all these wonderful little girls learn on me, then when they’d come back all grown up I got ever bigger hugs from them.

My super power was making everyone think I was starving even though I clearly wasn’t . The medal gate made a big jingle when I’d paw it with my horse shoe. It was loud and pretty annoying but it worked darn near every time… the humans would come pet my nose or bring me food! I had them all so trained… have I mentioned how I love eating. My mom gave me the best treats and MsChris with warm mash, kids with licorice, carrots, bread, oranges… pretty much everything made me happy long as I got to eat!

My mom really loved me. My auntie BJ and Heather loved me too. They said I was a unicorn. They said I had the special abilities to give courage to people who were scared. Injuries are scary I was scared too sometimes but my people and horse friends always made me feel better so my way of giving back was to make peoples feel better. I don’t think I did anything different. I was just me! I loved my life. I loved my people. I loved to eat with all of my horse friends even when they didn’t love me all the time. I’d do anything for anyone. I truly didn’t have a mean bone in my body.

I was a very healthy, happy horse. Life was so great. Green pastures and kisses every day. I know you guys miss me, but my mommy misses me the most. I tried to get better but I was 30 years old and my tummy just hurt so bad. Please keep loving my horse buddies back at my Rockwood home. I am sure they’re wondering why I’m not back there banging at the gate for our food. I was a team leader and I always made sure we ate!

Unfortunately, my last few days were very very expensive in emergency care at Loomis Basin. I appreciate everyone trying to get me better. I really liked the meds that took my tummy pain away. I wanted to get better. I had more kisses to get and lessons to give. I spent my whole life loving and giving… I only ask if you will give back to my mommy now… and when you spread my ashes and have my party remember I love each and every one of you. I’ll never forget you and I hope I can come back in another life and share my big heart! Remember close your fingers, heals down and eyes up, I loved feeling my riders shine and be brave. It made my heart happy.