When we made the decision to leave the U.S.A. we had 3 Polo Crosse ponies to sell, place or leave with people.  Two of them would be easily homed, but Oscar?? It takes a special person to understand him and put up with him.  Fortunately that person actually wanted the Big Grey Geek and it worked out well for Oscar.  Sugar was sold to polo, sad but true. After a season of polo she is the favorite pony in the string and put into foal...they must have more Sugar! The same people wanted Retama, she has been with Adam and then me for a bit over 8 years combined and we couldn't do it.  "Time to Retire her".  We wanted to know where she would be if we got to come back in her lifetime.  Kellee Campbell's seemed the Best option. She would trail ride her and breed her.  Retama would be exactly where we left her when we got back but with a difference.  Maybe 2,3 or 4 little Retama's.  Wonderful! 

 

When Retama was dropped at Kellee's it was right after nationals and she was not totally sound, but had all the time in the world to recover as she is now a trail riding brood mare. PROBLEM, Kellee decided Elgin Vets could speed up the soundness process so Kellee could use her in a way not discussed or agreed upon.  Kellee made the decision to get her fit and have her played.  Kellee chose not to play Retama herself but loan her out to other people without keeping us in the loop.  No email, no phone call, no nothing.  As the season went on Kiki's horse Holly was hurt and went to live at Kellee's.  Kiki and Kellee decided to do a horse swap.  Retama for Holly.  Still no email, no phone call, no nothing.  Retama, a 14.1hh 18 year old mare is now living at Kiki's and being played by Kiki.  At her age and size she still has a lot of get up and go, she has a huge heart. Her spunk may make her unsuitable as a small kids pony, but what about Derek, could he play her?  I called Kellee, "lets send her to Prissy".  That idea was squashed quickly by kellee.  "Prissy has a stallion on her place with no stallion fences and her way of looking after horses is questionable, she will not separate Retama to feed her".  Retama has tyed up over the years and should be kept on a no grain diet. Really though, she shouldn't need any grain at all for a kid to play her, maybe a thank you hand full but that's about it.  So Kellee has made the decision, Retama will not go to Prissy's under any circumstances. 

 

As the time ticks by Kiki kindly emails me to tell me how Retama is going for her and others.  Kiki needs to make up a B team for the next carnival and will be lending Retama out in order to do so.  Ok, enough! I thought the mare would be in foal by now, that is why she was left at Kellee's.  I own the mare and Kellee has the use of her reproductive organs.  As anyone who knows me will most likely agree, it is not like me to give away my pony for the weekend never mind life.

Now really, if I was sending her away for good, never to me mine again, I would have sold her to polo, why would I donate her to Kellee?  Kellee was not the only option for Retama but we believed at the time she was a good one..."Little Ratties".

 

Now Kellee has told me Retama is and was hers from the day she was placed on Kellee's Property.  I can pay for her to get her back or I can leave her as Kellee's possession.  I have abandoned her according to Kellee. (she is quoting Texas Law)

Even on a really crazy day, I can't justify buying a horse that I own.  Rumors are going around that I'm losing it down here and Kellee believes I am no longer capable of rational behavior, but wouldn't that prove it??  So as the week came to an end Kellee has stated that Retama is officially hers, she has taken over ownership. UMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!

 

So, to those of you who get to play my pony, Enjoy!! She is something very special and I know she will give you all she has. I hope that while in the process of breaking her down, kellee lets her really play Polo Crosse and you all get to see her with Prissy or Renee playing her.  Then she will once again be at her best.