I’d like to think I was Summer’s favorite person at Windermere. But If I went to Horse Flats and my wife Mary was there? I was a nice guy that she knew loved her, but when Mary came to the gate, Summer would saunter (okay, a quick saunter) straight across the pasture to yeah, Mary. Then she would put her head down and almost bury it in Mary’s chest and just kind of hold. She truly loved Mary and she made no apologies. So when Ivy texted us the other day to let us know that Summer had passed away, we hurt.
All the horses at the ranch have their own way and style of being Windermere horses. Prince gives of his immense sense of caring for people. Ali Pashka has a way of letting you know that you really do have freedom in your choices in your life.
And Summer’s quality, strength manifested in a quiet sweet way that taught me that real strength doesn’t come from the supposed power of the ego, but from the self assurance of the pure heart. She endured the flies of summer and the rains of winter and managed to transcend the elements with a sense of innocence mixed with well, a touch of ‘mood’ now and then.
Mary took riding lessons at Windermere a while back and got to learn the techniques of riding on Summer’s back. And Mary was so grateful for Summer’s sweet gentle strength and patience throughout the whole process. “She truly is an ambassador for Windermere,” Mary said.
We were at the ranch last week and of course witnessed the immense caring she always got at the ranch from Lynn and Ivy. The veterinarian that worked with her that last night later remarked how great Summer’s overall health was for a 26 year old horse. It was great to hear such kind words, but I have to say, in her own quiet way, Summer was not only an ambassador for Windermere, but an ambassador for the peace that resides deep within us all.
So, thank you Summer. We will always be grateful for Windermere and the magic it somehow provides for the ‘experience’ of peace through its seemingly (?) hand- picked ambassadors of Light, like you.
