Ebony on his 30th Birthday
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He was a beautiful sight the first time we saw him grazing in the tall green grass. There was a peacefulness about him as he stood with his long black mane blowing in the wind.
He was a tall, dark, handsome Tennessee Walking Horse. There was a nobility about him… so proud, yet kind.
He looked up and saw us watching him. Slowly he walked towards the fence and rubbed his nose against our hands.
My husband grabbed a halter, jumped on his back and rode off into the distance. An hour later he returned and said this boy was coming home with us.
That day, Ebony became a very large part of our lives. And for 25 years, we discovered the world together.
He was both a beauty and a joy to be around … a gentle soul,
calm and polite … always a gentleman.
His official name was Ebony’s Rapid Transit … and that he was. He had the spirit of the wind. Each ride was like a glide through the air and as smooth as silk.
We spent many wonderful hours riding the trails and the hilltops with all of nature surrounding us.
Often we could look down into the valleys and see groups of deer in the distance. Each ride was a memorable adventure.
Our memories of Ebony could fill the pages of the largest book. He was so much a part of our everyday lives.
I’m not sure when I realized the rides had become slower or just when I noticed the gray on his face. Ebony was now a wise old man.
Yet, to me he still had the same youthfulness and proud stature of years gone by.
More times were spent together in the barn, where we shared hours of long conversations about the good old days.
But, many things were no longer the same.
Our times were now spent walking side by side.
Each day was a gift.
Ebony was with us for 25 wonderful years.
It was more than love. We were companions.
On Christmas, at the age of 30, Ebony died in my arms.
He is still with us on the farm.
Goodnight sweet prince.
For years, you carried me on your back
and now I carry you in my heart.
My condolences. God bless.
~~~
Thanks, Paul.
Marvel
He was a beauty and such a special friend. You were lucky to have one another…truly.
He is with you still…
Warm Hugs,
Sue
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Thanks Sue, he was a wonderful friend.
What a beautiful horse and lovely story. I only hope I can enjoy as many wonderful years with my horse as you did with yours.
Michelle
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Michelle … You will have wonderful memories with your horse. They are the best companions.
I am so sorry you have lost Ebony. I saw the page about him being a therapist first, and couldn’t stop the tears when I found this one. I have a yearling pinto who’s sire was a Walker and his mom a Shetland. I have only had him 3 months, but already he very much a part of our family and always will be. Not sure how big he will get but if not big enough to ride I can always drive with him. My thoughts are with you.
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Thanks so much for your words and thoughts. I was very lucky to have him.
This is such a wonderful tribute to a very special horse. I spent nearly 35 years waiting to get my first horse. Now that I have 3 I hope we can share as many wonderful years together like you and your Ebony.
It is always hard to say goodbye.
Lori
xx
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Hi Lori,
Three horses! Lucky you. You are going to have so many memories of wonderful times!
Well, this broke my heart. I know how you feel and felt. People who do not really know or come to love animals haven’t a clue how you felt about this magnificent animal. You are a great writer and your photos are so moving.
I have been in your shoes, not once, but many times, with dogs who were a part of my life for so long. I still remember them and the last one, Autumn Eve, who died in 2006 on September 11th. She was special, as they all are.
Many thanks, Abraham Lincoln, for your kind words. Ebony was so much a part of my life.
I was lucky to have had him for such a long time.
Dogs are such wonderful companions, so devoted, so entertaining. Yet, it seems they are gone in such a short time, no matter how long they live. Like you say, we remember them all.
Thanks again … your words meant a great deal.
Just wanted to write and tell you how much I enjoyed looking through your website. I am a first time horse owner as of June and have a 17 year old thoroughbred who is very much a gentleman. I hope we get the kind of time you have managed with Ebony. Ebony is amazingly beautiful…
Hi Julie,
How exciting that you have your first horse.
Congratulations on selecting one that is 17 years old. Or did he select you? I hope you have many wonderful years together. They are such great companions for us.
Thanks for your kind words about Ebony. He was a great, great friend.
Marvel,
I still get tears in my eyes when I read this site. It is such a beautiful tribute to Ebony. You have so many wonderful memories and such a rich life.
I think the love we have for our animals is truly a lesson about unconditional love.
Any animal that you and Kirk have is blessed by your love and care. They were all sent to us for a reason.
Love,
Gwen
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Thanks, Gwen,
You were a wonderful part of Ebony’s life and a great friend in mine.
This was a beautiful tribute to your sweet prince. I lost my Sweet Ginger on Jan. 15, 2008, and my heart is broken. I felt the exact same way about Ginger. I got her when she was 16 months old, and she lived to be 28 yrs old. A gorgeous sorrel Quarter Horse Appendix, she was magnificent. If you want to see nature and experience nature, ride a horse! She was my beloved, my best friend, and she taught me to be brave, she gave me freedom. The best ride in the world. At some point, we too walked side by side. Just gentle moments together. I will love her forever and believe she is with me all the time. She will always be in my heart.
~~~
Kay,
How blessed we have both been to have such wonderful companions in our lives! I know Ginger will always be in your thoughts and heart no matter how may other horses you may have.
I sure hope he had a wonderful life
Kay,
I just found your beautiful pictures and story of Ebony. May I tell you as I sit here with tears running down my face how your story touched my husband and me. We’ve each lost 2 sons over the years, and several of our dearly loved 4-legged furry kids. We’ve always made our furry kids members of our family. The pain when we’ve said goodbye is just as intense whether it’s for human or animal. They’re just part of us.
I was given a beautiful black stallion when I was 13 years old by a friend of my Grandfather but due to family circumstances, I was not allowed to bring him home. I never got over it. Even though I just had my 70th birthday, I still remember my time with that wonderful creature and how he loved me back. Sometimes I think I can still smell him and feel him nuzzlying my hair when I stood alongside him and rubbed his ears and pressed my face into his. His owner told my Grandfather he had never seen “Blackie” react to anyone like he did with me and felt he should belong to me. I hope where he must have been on the “other side” for these past years he knows my heart never left him. I’m sure you must feel the same about your Ebony. Blessings to you. Thank you for sharing.
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Hello Judy,
You have so touched my heart with your kind words. I am dreadfully sorry about your loss of two sons.
Your short times with Blackie must have been very rewarding, as the memories are still with you. I’m sure when “Blackie” returned to Heaven, he had thoughts of you. It’s a love that happens which no words can explain.
Thank you so much for your message.
All my best to you,
Marvel
Thank you for taking the time to answer. I’ve been looking at the beautiful photos of you and your Ebony again and again. All of these things are part of our growing experiences to hopefully, become kinder, caring humans. I guess we would not love so deeply without the pain involved when we have to let go.
Again, thank you for sharing your story and photos of your beloved Ebony.
Blessings and peace.
Judy
What a beautiful horse/friend you had in Ebony and a long time that you were able to enjoy him. I didn’t get my first horse until I was 35 (even tho it was my hearts desire as long as I can remember) and he “Rusty” was a month old. He turned into a great versatile guy and we had such good times trail riding, going to play days and being a 4-H horse for a nieghbor girl. He seem to enjoy everything we ask him to do and put his whole heart into it. My best memories were the rides after work. I would come home pretty stressed some nights and saddle him up and ride for a couple hours. He always listened to my problems and didn’t critisize once!!! I would always be relaxed when we got home from our rides. I lost him At age 35 yrs. 6 mo. and 15 days old. He will be forever in my heart and thoughts as Ebony is in yours.
Hi Lucy,
Rusty sounds like he was a “heart’s companion” horse for you. Isn’t it amazing how they can cure whatever problems we have. They seem to sense our needs.
It is just amazing that he lived to be almost 37 years old. You are right, he’ll always be in your heart and mind. How fortunate you had each other to love. It works both ways.
All the best,
Marvel
Thank you very much for sharing Ebony’s story. I’ve wanted a horse of my own all my life, but it just never worked out (I’m 51)…
I did lose a beloved kitty who was only 6 years old, two years ago. Max died unexpectedly while I was home alone – his heart gave out. I’m still not over it, really… He could open doors by turning the door knobs with his paws! He also played fetch – he loved paper airplanes and would fetch them and put them back in the palm of my hand. Very smart, Max was.
I pray, and do believe, that we’ll be reunited with our beloved pets in Heaven.
God bless,
Cathy
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Hi Cathy,
Max certainly was a talented cat/companion. What a very sad loss, but how wonderful that you were there with him. I do believe these creatures will be with us again.
Perhaps, someday, you will have another pet that can warm your heart.
All the best,
Marvel
How sad I know the pain we had a young filly pass in 98′ and now her mother is 37 and she didnt get through the last winter so well and we are afraid we are losing her! I loved the story i almost cryed! He sounded like a great friend!
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Cassey
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Cassey,
How amazing that your mare has reached the remarkable age of 37! What a wonderful companionship you must have with her … and bittersweet, it is, after the loss of her filly. You have wonderful memories to cherish.
All the best,
Marvel
Your story is very touching. I almost cried. I am only 11 and I do not own a horse but I know what it feels like to loose an animal close to you. God bless.
Kylie
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Hi Kylie,
Thank you for your sweet note. I’m so glad you love animals, too.
Marvel
I am sorry for the loss of such a close member of your family. It is a blessing that we come to have these great friends. I also lost “my baby” Twice! I raised a little Buckskin colt. His mother was my mare, she carried him too long and died of complications. I bottle fed him every hour! No one thought he would make it. He was less than a day old when his mother died. I fed him the best I could afford milk supplements, foal lac pellets, calf manna, (all in healthy portions) He grew up to be the most beautiful Buckskin, Great temperement, sweet and perfect comfirmation. He would suck my thumb even at 5 years! I loved him! He was such a joy. I had to sell him when I got divorced. It broke my heart, but I had nowhere to keep him. I took comfort in the fact I sold him to a “friend” He told me when I could get back on my feet he would sell him back to me… Well that day came, and he wouldn’t sell him back. We offered him 5 thousand cash. He wouldn’t honor his word. I was so upset, the thought of not having him. He remembered me I could whistle and he would come running,and still go for my thumb! A few months went by, and I heard he had died. He was only 9,The vet could not tell me what happened. When he got there he had already passed. The guy who owned him couldn’t explain what happened either, yet he did not want any testing done. I cried and still have a empty spot in my heart for him. I think of him often. I was lucky enough to have him for awhile but wish it could have been longer. I have alot of photos of him as he was growing up! For that I am thankful. You to, have some great photos! As well as all your years of memories! Here’s to great horses and the people lucky enough to be loved by them!
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Hi Cowboys and Sunsets,
Your story about your mare and colt just broke my heart … twice! What a sad, sad situation. So sorry there are people in the world that never seem to do the right thing.
You have treasured memories … those are with you forever. And what an experience it must have been to have a relationship like you had with you baby. You’re right, we are lucky to know the kind of love that horses have to give.
All the best to you,
Marvel
Marvel,
What a treasure! I really enjoyed your site…..what a lovely tribute to Ebony.
All the best,
Debra
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Hi Debra,
So glad you came by for a visit.
Ebony was my love and I really believe he sent Royal as a gift to ease the loss. Those creatures can sure consume out hearts!
Marvel
I was so touched by your beautiful words about your lovely “Ebony”. God truly blessed you with a treasure and you are a better person because of that gift. Remember him always, as you say, “carry him in your heart”, but share your life with another. There are so many wonderful horses who need homes. Thank you for sharing. Lorie of C’ing Spots Appaloosas
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Hi Lorie,
Thank you so much for your note about Ebony. He was a wonderful companion. It took a long time to be ready for another horse, but I did find one. When I wrote the check for him I discovered it was Ebony’s birthday. Now, I consider Royal to be a gift from Ebony.
Aren’t we lucky to have horses in our lives!
All the best,
Marvel
Your story shows how deep a bond man can have with horses. A friendship that has lasted, even growing into a spiritual experience. We experience the divine through nature, we befriend the greater being by interacting with his marvelous creatures like Ebony.
Now I understand my own deep love for these magnificent animals…
~~~
Hello Nato,
Thank you so much for your kind words. Horses do share a unique bond with us that it is difficult to explain. And it stays forever.
All the best,
Marvel
What a beautiful story. About a year ago a dear woman gave me a beautiful quarterhorse named “Stevie”; she has been my best friend since. I was diagnosed wth MS in ‘05, and Stevie has been the best medicene ever. She is age 20, but is still so vibrant and energetic. God truly blessed me with a dear friend and I am so very thankful Stevie is in my life. Stevie was a barrel racing horse for years and still has the heart and spirit of those days. It is so amazing to hear of someone who truly loves horses and their amazing friendship that they give. I am so glad to have found your website and thank you for sharing your memories.
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Hello Caryl,
How wonderful that you have Stevie to be such a blessing in your life. They truly are the best medicine. They are a gift to both inspire and comfort us.
All the best,
Marvel
the worst part of having horses is saying goodbye, and you and i share a thing in common me and Abon it was Christmas night at midnight 2001 she passed in my arms, i miss her much and know she lives on in my heart.
so i know how you feel and wish you the best.
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Hello Tom,
Thank you for your kind words. So sorry about your loss, also at Christmas. Somehow that is even more painful and memorable. You are right … they always stay in our hearts.
All the best,
Marvel
Hi. I have been looking at your beautiful pictures for a few months and decided, tonight, to look through your other links. This was the first. And boy, it hit hard.
I lost my beautiful buckskin mare, Lucky, on Jan 17, 2009, at age 33. We came together as youngsters. I was 12 and she was 4 (please don’t do the math). LOL
She was my best friend. I could cry on her shoulder at any time and at any time of day. That was the only time she would allow herself to be caught without arguing about it.
I have her 11 year old daughter to continue on with – which makes it somewhat better.
I am still in the grieving stage…cry at the drop of a hat…but it is slowly getting better.
Your Ebony was a STUNNING horse. And a love like you had for him and I had for Lucky will never be forgotten.
Carrie
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Dear Carrie,
My heart goes out to you over the loss of Lucky. What a gift you had … to grow up together. I wish I could say the tears will go away, but they don’t. You have lost a companion.
I still cry over Ebony at unexpected times, especially when I see his halter hanging in its place in the tack room. It has never been moved since the last time he wore it.
The only comfort I can offer is that the memories you have of Lucky will grow more precious as time passes. How fortunate you are to have had him.
All the best,
Marvel
I lost my Ebony, my black cat, unexpectedly on Tuesday morning. I’m trying to overcome the sadness of such a great loss to me and I found this site. What a beautiful horse Ebony was and what a wonderful tribute to him.
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Hello Diane,
So sorry to hear about the loss of your Ebony. It is a painful thing to lose a companion like your cat and my horse. Fortunately, we are left with wonderful memories to give us comfort.
Thanks for your note.
Marvel
I just stumbled upon your site looking for a reference image of a horse on Google. This is a wonderful site and your history with Ebony is touching and beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing this story.
Best Regards from Portland, Oregon,
Verne
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Hello Verne,
Thank you for your kind words about Ebony. And welcome to my blog. I do hope you will return.
All the best,
Marvel