Diamond Delight

Once upon a time, there was a little girl who loved a little bay horse.

His name was Diamond Delight, and he was one of the most wonderful souls I have ever met. To this day, he remains incredibly special and dear to my heart. He was an adorable little 14.2hh Morgan horse. He had a beautiful, rich, reddish bay coat, one single white sock on his right hind, a snip on his nose, and a perfect diamond shaped star on his forehead.

I'm sure he had flaws, but for the life of me, I cannot think of one. He was quirky, sure, but to me, he was perfect. Yes, he spooked at noises behind him, and absolutely hated going near tarps. He also could not stand the idea of polocrosse, because he hated the balls flying around. In games, he was not for the faint of heart, because he often thought something was going to eat him. He was always on the fairly fast side, and he often bolted. But despite all of these things, I was never afraid of him, and quite honestly found no faults in him. Everything about him was perfect to me. I loved to go out to the barn to hear his little nicker. The feeling of his whiskers in my hand when he searched for cookies. The quiet moments just stroking his forehead. But most of all, he made me love to jump.

There was never a fence in the world that this horse wouldn't jump. If you pointed him in the direction of a jump, his little ears would instantly prick right up. I have never met a horse that carried you to a jump quite as much as he did. It was never wild, or scary, or out of control. He just knew his job, and he loved it.

The way he loved his job, you just couldn't help but love it too. He never put you in a dangerous or a scary position when jumping, and he was the most honest horse that I have ever ridden. I am pretty sure that in all the years I knew him, and rode him, I don't believe he ever stopped at a jump. With him, jumping truly felt like flying. 

Even though his fears of noises, and his speed, could often intimidate other people, I thought it was so much fun. We had a mutual understanding. I told him which jump to go over, and then he took care of everything else. He usually chose the speed, and the distance, and I was just along for the ride. And I was completely fine with that. He was my trusted partner, and best friend, and I knew he would always take care of me.

Diamond was a horse that was truly special to everyone he came in contact with. He never failed to touch your heart. Whether it was his always gentlemanly manners on the ground, or his adorable poses for photos, or the fact that he would consistently save your butt at any jump, even if you royally screwed up the distance. Whatever the reason, everyone loved that little horse. 

No big deal, just a half stride to a fence that is as tall as he is!

He carried me around my first 2'3" and 2'6" and 2'9" courses in schooling. He patiently packed me around my first 2'3" and 2'6" course at a show. He also carried me over my first 3', 3'3", 3'6" and 3'9" jump at a show. I had so many firsts on this horse, because he never gave me cause to hesitate or be afraid. I always knew that he would do whatever I asked of him. He was incredibly special in that sense. As long as it involved jumps, he was game. 

I owe so very much to this horse. He taught me so much, and he let me be fearless. There are no words to truly describe the way I feel about this horse. I love him. It has been over four years without him, and I can still say, without a doubt that I truly love this horse, and I am grateful for every memory I have of him.

There is one poem that always comes to mind when I think of Diamond, and no matter how much time passes, every time I read this poem, it brings tears to my eyes. 

Somewhere in time's own space,

There must be some sweet pastured place.

Where creeks sing on, and tall trees grow,

Some paradise, where horses go.

For by the love that guides my pen,

I know great horses live again.

~Stanley Harrison

Diamond will always hold a very dear, and very special place in my heart.

I feel incredibly lucky to have ever known this wonderful pony, and I will forever love the memories he gave me.

Rest in Paradise Diamond Delight (1984-2012)