A Journey with Rembrandt: Navigating Life's Twists and Turns with a Beloved Equine Companion
Lunch is my favourite time of day, especially when shared with good company, but it becomes epic when a baby horse is born. From the moment of his arrival on a soft spring day, everything about Rembrandt felt bright and welcoming. This baby was euphoric for me, and I dubbed him the nickname Rush from the Crowbar song “Oh what a feeling, what a rush”.
At four months, we ventured to Tannehnof Stable, home of Rembrandt’s Dad, Hannibal for the Canadian Trakehner Horse Society Inspection (CTHS). His mom Reva was half Trakehner, half Thoroughbred on her dam’s side and her sire was full Arabian. She needed to pass an inspection for Rembrandt to be registered as a Canadian Trakehner. She passed with high marks, and Rembrandt was branded with the CTHS emblem.
His full sister Rivendell (Rave) was born two years later on a cold February night. I naively thought Rush’s chill temperament would be replicated, but they turned out nothing alike.
As we embarked on various endeavours to connect horses and people, our Trakehner club put on a Horse in Hand show at Manitoba Horse Council's Equestrian Facility in Birds Hill Park. Rush and Rave blossomed into fine equine companions, each presenting their own set of challenges and joys.
Life is full of surprises, and nothing could’ve prepared me for the discovery of Rave’s death after a summer storm. Out of an entire herd of horses, lightning found her and killed her instantly. That wasn’t the only upheaval at the time. My life shifted significantly, and I needed to board Rush and sort through things.
Amidst transitions between boarding facilities and personal challenges, our day-to-day connection was lost. He matured into a strong 17.1 hh warmblood and learned to adapt to changing environments. The facilities were all excellent, but it’s not the same as living together. Finally, after five years, I had a new home for us, but a lot changed during that time.
At first, he was terrified; he even came at me with teeth. He was so unhappy until a companion horse eased some of his anxiety. My confidence was shaken, and he had no tolerance for it. We had to start over. So we did, with Carolyn Resnik’s Waterhole Rituals. After just a few sessions, things started to shift in our favour. I got back in the saddle, and for the most part, everything was okay. Unless something caused him uncertainty, his head would reach for the clouds, snort like a steam train, and I was merely something on his back.
I needed help. I pulled out my Parelli books, Clinton Anderson videos, and talked with local trainers. It wasn't until a trusted friend recommended a local horse trainer that we made significant breakthroughs. Addressing lingering behavioural issues, we found a renewed sense of harmony and trust. Rush responds positively to structured leadership.
Our 23-year relationship continues to be a journey of constant learning and evolution.
What twists and turns have you experienced with your horse?
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