Posted by Mona

There are some horse stories that just tug at your heart. If you have ever loved a horse you will understand the way this horse owner feels. It’s unfortunate that life sometimes causes us make discissions we don’t want to have to make. Read the story of Spanish Nic and her horse owners search for his whereabouts.

 

 

Faith can be described as “a strong belief in powers that control the human destiny”, however, I like to think of it as a strong belief controlling the destiny of a horse, one particular horse…

His registered name is Spanish Nic, and I was blessed enough to have Nicky in my life for a few years. He was that one horse that you truly click with. The one that whinnies each time you’re near, the one who can read your mind, the one who finds a way deep into your heart and never leaves.

I acquired Nic back in my early college years and was delighted to discover that my new friend was an equine virtuoso. He could easily complete third level dressage movements, could burn through barrel patterns, happily navigated any trail obstacle, could jump anything you placed in front of him, would wade through deep currents, could do a sliding stop with the best of them –he would even rear on command …quite the showman; and he was a gentle giant. I would place a novice child on his back without any apprehension and he would take care of them like his own.

In 2003 I ran into some financial trouble and was forced to choose between Nic and my other mare. I had had that mare for over a decade and in her failing health I did not see her being able to live as a rideable companion anymore. I was worried for her well being and felt compelled to keep her as an adored lawn ornament, where I was able to keep on eye on her and her health. I figured that Nic had a better chance of being taken in by a loving family that would give him the life he loved –being someone’s best friend.

It was January of 2004 and that I was finally forced to make the hardest decision I have ever made: I sold Nic. That was the end of my partnership with him, but he’s always been in my heart and my thoughts. I had brief contact with his new owner after his purchase, but a housefire has since destroyed all of my contact information, and until recently, all hopes that I had to keep track of him.

But this is where you come in… I am hoping that through the magic of the world wide web that someone somewhere will have seen this beautiful gelding. As I was never able to take him anywhere without a barrage of attention, I’m hopeful that someone out there has seen him and he’s stayed in their mind as he has in mine.

Laura

Nic’s Information:

Age/Sex: 19 year old gelding

Color: Gorgeous palomino

Facial Markings: Star with a little trail almost making a half-stripe

Other Markings: Socks on fore feet and right hind

Other Distinguishing Traits: Mane splits in the midle, top falls to the right, bottom falls to the left

Vices: Passionate cribber/chewer

Medical Issues: Luxating patella that causes right rear leg to sometimes lock when fully extended Ringbone in the right fore leg

Registered as “Spanish Nic”: American Quarter Horse Association (#2599928) Foundation Quarter Horse Registry (#?) Palomino Horse Asscoiation (#?) *Note: Nic’s ownership papers were never transferred into his new owner’s name Added (by popular demand): Nic’s pedigree

Current Information:

Sold in late 2005 Moved to somewhere north of Fulton, MI (perhaps Traverse City) His current owner is a woman in her 60’s involved in a riding program Nic was bought to be used as a lesson horse for children His current owner has previous experience with older equines This woman went to visit Nic in Fulton, MI with her friend/trainer.  

For more information on Nic and how to contact his owner click here.

You can also download this flyer to post at your local feed and tack store.