Pictures of Sombra in her new home...

[shewasmyshadow]

I just got the pictures of Sombra in her new place. I left my camera in my parents truck after we delivered her and finially got it back.

As you may remember I dropped her off at the very same boarding stables that I used to board my gelding at. It was interesting to go back. When I boarded there I was a 12 yr old. I had a very broke gelding who was a color that is nothing special, no horse trailer and no truck. I rode to all my shows and never EVER was interested in boys, getting married or having kids. Coming back I was 24 yrs old, I had my husband with me and a 2 yr old at home. I was driving my own rig and bringing my gorgeous black spirited horse. What I weird change. It was like coming back to my past. Very strange the memories that assailed me driving back into that stable yard. :eek: It was like seeing my horse beginning and my horse end come together. I know I still have Rashad, but I feel like this is a point in my life where horses are definitely on the back-burner.

Anyway, as I told you all before I did cry, even though I had thought I was done crying earlier in the day. It hit me like a wall and couldn't help myself. Everyone went into the lounge and let me have my cry. After that we all went back out and I watch Sombra getting to know her new owners. It was fun to see Meredith's (new owner) husband getting to groom Sombra. Meredith doesn't know how blessed she is to have a husband that enjoys her animals. :rolleyes: So, the first few pictures are of the paddock, then her grooming with her hubby's help. As I walking away and I looked back I noticed my girl was intently staring at me. As if she thought that maybe I'd just forgotten her and would turn around to come back. It broke my heart... So, the last picture is what I took before rounding the corner and leaving her.
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a41/JessicaBe/100_2864.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a41/JessicaBe/100_2865.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a41/JessicaBe/100_2866.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a41/JessicaBe/100_2867.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a41/JessicaBe/100_2868.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a41/JessicaBe/100_2869.jpg

[vicklynn]

Oh man, that last shot got me, right here:cry:
Im glad you found a good home for her.
((HUGS))

[shewasmyshadow]

I know. I cried all over again seeing her face. I always new she was intelligent, but that confirms it. She KNEW I was leaving her.

[Arrow]

That last shot is really something, but it looks like a place that she can be happy.:)

[luv2show]

Oh crap. I'm balling now, and yeah, it's that last picture! lol
She apprears to have a great home though.

[Dixie]

Yep, that last shot. Man oh man. :cry: Many hugs for you. Sounds like you found her a great home though and how cool to have the womans husband involved. It's never easy parting with one, no matter what the reason. Big hugs.

[pandorasmom]

Man, that last one got me too. I can't cry now though. I've got sinus problems, and so I have to tell myself If I cry, it'll make it worse.
I don't remember why you had to rehome her, however, for whatever reason it was I'm sorry, but I do think you did the right thing. I think her new owners looked happy, and she did look pleased with this also. :)

[vicklynn]

I went and re-read your posts over at horse.com. I know you did what was best for her.
((HUGS)) cause Im crying

[JackieB]

I'm sure it was very tough for you SMS, but what a wonderful home Sombra got! That's what's most important. Please stay with us and we'll help keep horses close to your heart until there is a time for them in your life again.

[jeezitsjacki]

wow I cant imagine how hard that must have been.. but at least you know she went to a good home. That last shot was a killer.

[ownedby7horses]

uh man...I have a knot in my throat now! That last shot is what did it. She's a beauty and I hope you take comfort in knowing she got an excellent home. ;)

[painthorse72]

why is doing the best thing so hard? We recently leased my 12yr daughters 12 yr pony Thistle and Ive had a hard time with him being gone even though I know hes in a great place, getting the excercise he badly needed.

[TBgirl]

Oh wow she is so beautiful. It really looks like her new owners will be great to her and give her a nice home! Seems you did well finding her a wonderful family!! The last shot really made me sad too. I've sold quite a few horses and it's very hard on me every time.

[Toodlestoo]

Wow, this is the first time I actually cried reading a post.:cry: That last picture is beautiful and haunting all at the same time.

She seems as though she'll have a really great home and the new owners look thrilled. That's what you need to focus on. She'll be fine. It'll take time but you'll be fine too.

[FatSpottedAppy]

That last shot is so sad.. I am so sorry it came down to this.. :(

[Gypsy Rose]

I'm so sorry you had to sell Sombra. That last shot is really beautiful, yet sad at the same time.

At least you know that she's in a good home and will be loved.

[GrungeEquestrian]

I am glad you found a great home for her, Sombra is a gorgeous girl! That last shot is well.....:cry:

[Remali]

That last pic gave me a lump in my throat too.....but, are those her new owners with her? They looks like very, very nice people and you can tell they just adore her!

[zoel_222]

I'm so sorry you had to sell Sombra. She looks very happy in her new home. I'm sure she'll always keep a place for you in her heart.

[WashingtonBay]

This is sad, and I'm sorry.

How about this... I hope the next time you come out to see her, you post that she seemed happy but unfamiliar and you had to remind her who you even are. :)

Maybe this will help. I got my old Labrador as an adult dog from an older man who had wanted him as a hunting dog but had not realized his wife would banish him to a kennel all the time for fear of her flowers and hair-free home. By three years old he was really needing more from life than a kennel.

I started taking him to obedience classes and showing him in AKC shows and just a few months after I started with him, his old owner wanted to come and see him compete at a Labrador Specialty show I was going to be at. I was a little concerned that his presence would be a distraction, honestly, but Logan ignored his old owner, giving him no more interest than any other passing stranger.

I could tell the old owner was a little hurt by that, I think he was expecting an enthusiastic reunion from the dog and he didn't get it. I felt bad for him, but hoped he knew it was for the best that it be that way. He would not have felt better if the dog had seemed to still be pining for him.

[cloedoll]

Awe, SMS, I'm sorry. You did the best thing, though and Sombra looks like she is going to be very happy at her new home.

[shewasmyshadow]

Yeah, I really didn't post these for sympathy (even though I appreciate it). I just wanted to share how happy I was that her new home was a good one and that I couldn't help being sad about that last picture. I never realized how possessive she really was about me. I remember telling the new owner that she would have to be OK with being the ONE to her new horse, but I never realized HOW MUCH she was attached to me. I think it would have almost been easier to not know how much she cared...

The new owner has every intention of calling me if she has to sell Sombra, so I'm praying that someday I will have the privilege of having her back.

[farmers_wife]

Oh crap. I'm balling now, and yeah, it's that last picture! lol
She apprears to have a great home though.

Me too. I am also crying. I just could not picture leaving my Dolly to anyone else.

[carla]

The new owner has every intention of calling me if she has to sell Sombra, so I'm praying that someday I will have the privilege of having her back.

Honestly, I feel like you will. :)

[Piper522]

I think in the last picture she was telling you that, "It is okay Mom...I am going to be fine in my new home!"

She will always know that you loved her....hang in there!

[Kaitlyn]

Oh crap I teared up :(

[Vegashorselady]

You'd have to be made of stone to not tear up at that last shot. But honestly, her new owner looks so happy in those pictures and her husband looks happy for her. You can just tell that they will love and spoil Sombra.

[palomino]

OH, man! Im so sorry honey! BIG hugs!

[Equine_Woman]

Ahh man, now I'm crying too. I'm so sorry you had to go through this but it does look like a wonderful home and family for your girl. That must give you peace of mind knowing she will be loved and taken care of!

[Gliderider]

Man that last picture made me cry to. It sure looks like you found her a good home. I am sure she will be very happy and well loved. HUGS. It is always hard parting with a loved equine friend.

[Toodlestoo]

What a group we are! I can imagine us all sitting at the computer crying our eyes out for SWMS and Sombra and our significant others thinking--what the heck! Horse people--you gotta love them!

[Sparrk]

Oh Poo, put me in the teary eye section.

I've very sorry about your heartache, but it looks like she will be loved in her new home.

[shewasmyshadow]

What a group we are! I can imagine us all sitting at the computer crying our eyes out for SWMS and Sombra and our significant others thinking--what the heck! Horse people--you gotta love them!

ROFL!! I've gotten the "What they heck are you crying about AGAIN?" look many times since selling my horse. Even my 2 yr old son looks at me like :rolleyes:.

[shewasmyshadow]

Oh and THANK YOU all for the support. Just when I think I'm over her I start feeling that ache again. When I was over at Farmers_wife's house to see Rashad I couldn't help just laying my head on him and loving him.

Oh, I forgot to add something...

When we put Sombra in her quarantine pen at the boarding stables a gray horse passed. She went CRAZY! Screaming and looking and going wild. I couldn't believe it, but I think she thought it was Rashad. It made me so sad. Even after 2 months away from her pal she still remembered him.

[Me'N'Chic]

(Sniff, sniff...) Yeah the siggy picture with the quote...well...:cry:!! I agree with Piper, though; I think Sombra may be saying, " Bye, mom! I love you! Thanks for all you have done for me!--I'll be alright, you found me a great new home---maybe, some day, when it is the "right season", we'll meet again..."

You did the right think SWMS--not the right "season" right now--you have your growing family to focus on now!

[shewasmyshadow]

Yeah, I know she'll be fine. I know she's going to get attached to her new owner and I'm HAPPY about it.

That's a great way to put it Me'N'Chic. It was my season of horses and it started and ended at the same stables. I'm so thankful for the joy that season has given me. And I'm so glad for the friendships I've made on horse.com which continued on this forum. Thanks everyone. :D

[TLC97]

SWMS you did the right thing and that last picture is a killer. But she looks very content and happy in the others and that is what matters most.

Remember I had Jake given back to me after 6 yrs, so miracles do happen.

[carla]

Yeah, I'm thinking a great alternate word ending for your siggy might be, "... with that look on her face... 'Unitil we meet again...'"

Or something like that. From my perspective (which of course, you know her far better than any of us), the look just strikes me a more of a "knowing" one than a wondering one. For what it's worth ;)

[Mandzanita]

Can I join the teary eyed crowd? Chic's post put me over the edge...

Making that taype of decision takes a strong and caring heart. I hope we are all here when she comes back to you!

[Sparrk]

(Sniff, sniff...) Yeah the siggy picture with the quote...well...:cry:!! I agree with Piper, though; I think Sombra may be saying, " Bye, mom! I love you! Thanks for all you have done for me!--I'll be alright, you found me a great new home---maybe, some day, when it is the "right season", we'll meet again..."

You did the right think SWMS--not the right "season" right now--you have your growing family to focus on now!

Now i'm even more teary eyed!

[sugarsgirl]

I'm glad she has a good home now. I know its tough, trust me, I've been through it, and you'll pull through.

[MyHorseBiggs]

:cry: AWW... at least she's going to a good home.

[shewasmyshadow]

I'm comfortable with my decision. I know it was for the best. I'm very thankful that God provided such a wonderful home for her. I'm also excited to see how she does with her new family. They clearly don't have children and I think Meredith my find her husband will want a horse here pretty soon. :D I mean he looked more excited then she did, which I thought was wonderful! I'd give my right arm to have my husband interested in my horse.

[alittleoffkey]

Her new home looks great, I'm sure she'll thrive there. I've been praying for you - I know how hard this must have been, but it was a very good decision for the both of you. :)

[Country Girl 43]

I avoided this thread for a reason....now after seeing the pics, I know why....:cry: You've been very strong through this. That last pic haunts me of memories of my Misty years ago. But that is another story.

Keep us posted on how she is doing when you get updates.

[Diane of Buck's Hollow]

Oh no. That was hard to read. I hope you are doing okay today!!:)

[shewasmyshadow]

I've been in contact with the new owner. She got dumped when her saddle slipped up Sombra's neck. Luckily she wasn't too disturbed by it. She's getting a thinner pad. It's Sombra's thick fat pads that cause saddles to slip on her, so once she slims down the saddle should fit good. For now the thinner pad should help. We'll see...

[doc_western]

(Sniff, sniff...) Yeah the siggy picture with the quote...well...:cry:!! I agree with Piper, though; I think Sombra may be saying, " Bye, mom! I love you! Thanks for all you have done for me!--I'll be alright, you found me a great new home---maybe, some day, when it is the "right season", we'll meet again..."

You did the right think SWMS--not the right "season" right now--you have your growing family to focus on now!


great...now I'm teary eyed too!! :cry:

[shewasmyshadow]

I just thought I'd share a portion of my most recent e-mail from Meredith (new owner):

Sombra joined the herd last Saturday and boy, was she happy to do so! Mary and I walked Sombra out to the pasture and introduced her to the herd. She is no wallflower. You should have seen her: tail up, floating extended trot, mane flowing. She was showing off to the horses. When they showed her any interest, she would back up to them and kick out (playfully - not in a mean way) Some mares didn't appreciate her getting fresh with "their" gelding (Scottie: palomino, he has a harem of possesive mares) Sombra has taken to another palomino called Tanner. There a few very minor scuffs on her from being new but nothing I am worried about. I think Sombra is quite able to take care of herself.

My Sombra has always been kept at private farms with 1-3 pasture mates and only about 3-10 acres to run in. This boarding stables has roughly 70 acres fenced and anywhere's from 20-40 horses out in the pasture at any given time. I'll bet she was excited!! :D

[Remali]

It sounds like her new owners are wonderful and caring people, they are going to pamper her and spoil her rotten I bet, that is great you found her such a nice new home.