Old Soul

He looked like any other horse in the kill pen at Sugar Creek. The kind that doesn’t even get a second look; actually I have to admit that I didn’t even give him a first look. In pens crammed full of horses, it is the younger, healthy, well made stock horse that grabs my attention. But New Years Day 2010 would prove to be fateful . . . .

Out of the hundred and fifty or so horses to end up in the pens at Sugar Creek that Friday three geldings made my list: a palomino, a gray, and a sharp black and white overo. All three were in the same loose pen together. For those of you not acquainted with Sugar Creek, the kill horses are run through the auction ring fast. Each horse is in the ring for a matter of seconds before it is out the door and the next loose horse run in. This means that the bidding is fast and typically only a few killer buyers are raising their hands.

The pen that had the three geldings that I was interested in was one of the first to be run through the ring. Horses came in and were out the door while the final bids were still being placed. This isn’t unusual but it merits absolute attention to know what horse the bidding is actually taking place on. The bid was running when the black and white overo gelding was run into the ring. This horse was at the top of my list, I was anxious to have him; I raised my hand and got in on the bidding - a few seconds later I had the winning bid . . . . . on the horse that had already gone out the door! Well, that’s the one that the auctioneer assigned my bid to anyway. I was shocked – stunned, what happened? Now the black and white overo is sold and out the door! Wait! Wait a minute!!

So I missed the black and white overo . . . . What exactly did I buy then?? A quick trip to the back of the barn revealed my purchase: A ‘Soulful’ older draft horse. Ughh. The recommendation of other buyers and auction personnel was to run him back through the ring and let the killer buyers have another try at him. Yeah right. This poor gelding probably hadn’t known kindness his whole life. He was mine – for better or for worse.

Since coming ‘home’ Soul has had a pile of hay in front of him, he has a stall to keep the snow off of his back, a blanket to keep him warm, and people that actually take care of him. Life is finally looking up for this drafty gelding that got thrown away at the Sugar Creek livestock sale.

So, is there a home out there for a ‘Soul’ horse?? I really didn’t do too bad blindly picking out a random kill horse! Soul is sound – he has good, solid feet and he picks them up nicely. (Always a plus with big horses!) Soul rides and is almost certainly broke to drive; although I do not have a harness big enough to fit him. He is gentle and docile. Soul leads, loads, and ties – he is easy to catch and quiet to handle. This guy has no barn vices. Soul is underweight but otherwise healthy. He would make a great companion or light riding/driving horse. Soul would also do well in a therapeutic riding situation. Any help with placing this draft gelding or absorbing some of the expenses associated with his care would be greatly appreciated. New Years Day at Sugar Creek was not to be the end for Soul but the beginning!

I hope you are all well and warm!!

“It is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped”

- Anthony Robbins

*Update - January 17th, 2010

Soul went to his new home today! He found a farm near Mt. Vernon, Ohio where he will serve as a companion to a 30 year old Quarter Horse gelding. A big Thank You to Barb Eddy for purchasing Soul and providing him with a home. Also thanks to Audrey Kidd from Tennessee for her contribution to Soul’s cause and her kind consideration. Blessings to all.