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| NUGGET Through The Years |
| NUGGET 1981 QH x ARAB GELDING 14.3H |
| Nugget was my first horse. I am now 31 years old but got him when I was age 8, and he age 4. He was young and green broke. I don't recommend children start with green horses but he did teach me a lot quickly...LOL. We have had many adventures over the years and I can't say I've had any other good friend as long as him. In OUR younger years we'd ride for hours often on trails and with friends etc. When alone I admit I'd simply talk to him and have my own conversations with him unleashing all my childhood and later teenage stresses for him to hear as we'd mosey through woods and fields. Unlike most horses he has two seasonal coat colors. In spring and summer he is solid copper penny gold and in the fall and winter he is light gold with dapples. Even when young I knew how incredibly grateful I was to have him. I was a bit of a loner and hence he was my best friend. When I was young I promised him I'd keep him safe with me forever. I even remember the day I had this "conversation with him". He'd injured his pastern as a stick had punctured it in the pasture. The vet had a tough regimen of things I had to do to keep it from forming scar tissue and a limp for life. In the midst of my walking him during that, as my vet had said would need to be done daily, I remember the hot tears streaming down my face and my worry that he wouldn't get better and in the midst of my begging him to get better and begging God to help him get better I plead that I'd always take care of him and keep him safe. I am happy to say he fully healed from that ordeal. Sadly many horses age and their owners sell them on and their fates are not good. Even as a child I knew this and hence the promise. I wanted to make sure I gave Nugget a long happy life as he gave me so much in my younger years and well I certainly owe it to him. I almost failed to keep my promise. Near my high school graduation years my family made yet another move and I was told Nugget could not come. Prior to this we'd moved from Michigan to Missouri in 1990 taking Nugget with us and this time we were to go to Ohio. I suppose they felt I'd outgrown him as I was in my high school years and my mind wasn't so much on horseback riding then as I was "distracted". That said it never for a second changed how much I loved him. This was a very tough time and in the end it resulted in him being sent to a relatives home with the condition that I could have him back if ever I could afford him on my own etc. Well it took years of painful emotions etc (and that is the nutshell version). Over those years I'd hear a sad song on the radio about a lost friend or lost love and sob and I do mean a deep sob. The pain of him not being with me never ceased and I even periodically had nightmares. But eventually I was able to get him back. I moved back to Michigan on my own for the purpose of getting a place so I could get my friend back and ensure I kept my promise...that he'd remain safe and happy in his old years. He is still looking really good and hangs out with the ladies (mares) here. Nugget also helped bring up our two young stallions and taught them some of their manners. In addition he will also be our foals babysitter during the weaning process. He's always been in essence my right hand partner. These days we still go on trail rides at times as he is as sound as ever. Although his topline and all may not be what it once was his ears are perked and he's happy to get out on the trails. The only real health issue we've had to deal with in recent years was a bad case of choke. His entire life he has been a true pig of a horse when it comes to his grain. He never ever had an issue until summer 08 when he had one very bad episode with labored breathing and thick drool and well...it was bad. After repeated attempts to go in through his nostril the vet was able to get in directly through the mouth. Poor boy couldn't have his grain for weeks and was at the gate every day with pleading eyes wanting it and it was murder on my heart. Well I'm happy to say he's healed now. Probably after an episode that bad many people wouldn't let their horse have grain again but I know for him it's part of his joy in life and something to look forward too so I can't deny him it. I am happy to say to date he's not had another episode so hopefully it was a fluke thing. On a neat note Nugget was one of a few horses in Michigan chosen by the Equine Artist Karen Brenner to be painted as part of her Horses Of Michigan Project. I am very thrilled that this old man received such a recognition. He may not be a tall proud friesian anymore or something these days that is a supreme catch to the eye, but he has quite a great history and is an amazing boy in his own right. He was born about 20 miles from where we live now, has traveled to Missouri and been successful in a show career when young. He's come full circle and back home to Michigan so I think he'll be very fitting for such a project. This is just a page in tribute to him over the years though he is still alive and well. Kristi Rhythmic Acres |
| This picture was taken just after we first got Nugget home and unloaded him from the trailer. This would be in 1985 when he was 5 years old. My dad picked me up and set me on his back for the pictures... |
| The two below pics were taken May 26, 2008. Today Nugget is 29 years old and looking great for his age. |
| Some of Nugget and I as the years progressed.... |
| The below photo was taken in November 2007. Nugget is 26 years of age in these and going strong as you can see. Here you can see his fall/winter coat color (the ugly one LOL). He "thinks" he is a stallion I think and that this is HIS herd. So cute. He's SO in love with Tatum and treats Rarity like she is his own baby. |