It certainly sounds doable, are most track barns full the way the economy is right now?  Just curious?

 

Laurie

----- Original Message -----

From: Anne Landers

To: retraintbs@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Sunday, November 15, 2009 2:42 PM

Subject: Re: [retraintbs] Re: Home for retired TB

 

I think it would be nice if the tracks could just spare a few extra stalls where horses that aren't running wouldn't lose their stalls and trainers would have a little extra time to find them homes......but that's a management issue.  :-(

Anne Landers

“If we see cruelty or wrong that we have the power to change and we do nothing, we make ourselves sharers in the guilt.” Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, 1877

horsedoc_89 wrote:

 

TRF and the Indiana Dept. of Corrections have a similar farm at one of the state prisons here. www.trfinc.org/mc_images/category/40/renewssummer07.pdf
The horses must have raced at one of the 2 Indiana paramutual tracks to qualify

--- In retraintbs@yahoogroups.com, Patguth@... wrote:
>
> Home for retired horses: I'm just thinking (rare for me). Wouldn't it
> be wonderful if all tracks offered a place like that for their retired
> race horses. I don't know whether all tracks are financially on track at the
> moment, but better times will come--I think it would be just great if a
> portion of the bets could go to sustain
> a place for these gallant animals.
>
> Author Patricia A. Guthrie
> _www.patriciaanneguthrie.com_ (http://www.patriciaanneguthrie.com/)
> Waterlilies Over my Grave 2008 psychological suspense
> In the Arms of the Enemy 2007 romantic suspense
>
>
> In a message dated 11/15/2009 3:56:55 A.M. Central Standard Time,
> retraintbs@yahoogroups.com writes:
>

----- Original Message -----

From: Anne Landers

To: retraintbs@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Sunday, November 15, 2009 2:42 PM

Subject: Re: [retraintbs] Re: Home for retired TB

 

I think it would be nice if the tracks could just spare a few extra stalls where horses that aren't running wouldn't lose their stalls and trainers would have a little extra time to find them homes......but that's a management issue.  :-(

Anne Landers

�If we see cruelty or wrong that we have the power to change and we do nothing, we make ourselves sharers in the guilt.� Black Beauty by Anna Sewell, 1877

horsedoc_89 wrote:

 

TRF and the Indiana Dept. of Corrections have a similar farm at one of the state prisons here. www.trfinc.org/mc_images/category/40/renewssummer07.pdf
The horses must have raced at one of the 2 Indiana paramutual tracks to qualify

--- In retraintbs@yahoogroups.com, Patguth@... wrote:
>
> Home for retired horses: I'm just thinking (rare for me). Wouldn't it
> be wonderful if all tracks offered a place like that for their retired
> race horses. I don't know whether all tracks are financially on track at the
> moment, but better times will come--I think it would be just great if a
> portion of the bets could go to sustain
> a place for these gallant animals.
>
> Author Patricia A. Guthrie
> _www.patriciaanneguthrie.com_ (http://www.patriciaanneguthrie.com/)
> Waterlilies Over my Grave 2008 psychological suspense
> In the Arms of the Enemy 2007 romantic suspense
>
>
> In a message dated 11/15/2009 3:56:55 A.M. Central Standard Time,
> retraintbs@yahoogroups.com writes:
>

 

TRF and the Indiana Dept. of Corrections have a similar farm at one of the state prisons here. www.trfinc.org/mc_images/category/40/renewssummer07.pdf
The horses must have raced at one of the 2 Indiana paramutual tracks to qualify

--- In retraintbs@yahoogroups.com, Patguth@... wrote:
>
> Home for retired horses: I'm just thinking (rare for me). Wouldn't it
> be wonderful if all tracks offered a place like that for their retired
> race horses. I don't know whether all tracks are financially on track at the
> moment, but better times will come--I think it would be just great if a
> portion of the bets could go to sustain
> a place for these gallant animals.
>
> Author Patricia A. Guthrie
> _www.patriciaanneguthrie.com_ (http://www.patriciaanneguthrie.com/)
> Waterlilies Over my Grave 2008 psychological suspense
> In the Arms of the Enemy 2007 romantic suspense
>
>
> In a message dated 11/15/2009 3:56:55 A.M. Central Standard Time,
> retraintbs@yahoogroups.com writes:
>

TRF and the Indiana Dept. of Corrections have a similar farm at one of the state
prisons here.  www.trfinc.org/mc_images/category/40/renewssummer07.pdf
The horses must have raced at one of the 2 Indiana paramutual tracks to qualify

--- In retraintbs@yahoogroups.com, Patguth@... wrote:
>
> Home for retired horses:    I'm just thinking (rare  for me).  Wouldn't it
> be wonderful if all tracks offered a place like that  for their  retired
> race horses.  I don't know whether all tracks are  financially on track at the
> moment, but better times will come--I think it would  be just great if a
> portion of the bets could go to sustain
> a place for these gallant animals.
>
> Author Patricia A. Guthrie
> _www.patriciaanneguthrie.com_ (http://www.patriciaanneguthrie.com/)
> Waterlilies Over my Grave 2008 psychological suspense
> In the Arms of the  Enemy 2007 romantic suspense
>
>
> In a message dated 11/15/2009 3:56:55 A.M. Central Standard Time,
> retraintbs@yahoogroups.com writes:
>

----- Original Message -----

From: april

To: retraintbs@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Sunday, November 15, 2009 9:31 AM

Subject: [retraintbs] Interview with Zenyatta

 

ENJOY!

 

Zenyatta

Accomplishment: Became the first distaffer in history to beat the
boys in the GI Breeders’ Cup Classic.

Birthdate: Apr. 1, 2004

Birthplace: Winter Quarter Farm, Fayette, Ky

Family: Dad Street Cry (Ire); mom
Vertigineux; sisters Where's Bailey
(Aljabr), Balance (Thunder Gulch),
Treasure Trail (Pulpit), Eblouissante
(Bernardini) ; brother Souper
Spectacular (Giant's Causeway)

Principal business: Kicking ass; taking names

Current residence: Hollywood Park, Inglewood, Ca

 

It's been an amazing career, but is there one moment that stands
out?

Wow, you want me to pick just one? OK--it would have to be in the
paddock, just before the Classic. I had to stop and take it all in--the fans
were going crazy, cheering, clapping, holding up signs. It was almost
humbling. Almost. Mario (Espinoza), my groom and best buddy? He
always looks so serious before a race, but his eyes were just shining. I
knew I had to do him proud.

Any anxious moments during the race? For me? No. Good ol' Trevor
sounded a little concerned there early, and I think I gave Mikey a few
butterflies, but I knew I had it.

What do you love most about racing? Some horses, they just love to
run, but me? I love to win. There is no better feeling. And I love waiting
until the last moment, letting ‘em think that maybe this time they can
beat me--then flying past like the cavalry to the rescue. Did you see the
look on Gio Ponti's face when I caught him in the Classic? He thought
he had it...ha!

What are you going to miss the most? I love to compete and, God
knows, I love the fans. They are the greatest. And the Mosses and
Dottie? They believed in me when I was just a lanky kid with bad acne.
But what I'm going to miss the most are my buddies from the barn.
Johnny--you know how I feel. Would I be the champion I am without you
in my corner? I honestly don't know. And Steve Willard, my exercise
rider? I know I gave you a hard time--sorry for all the aching muscles!
But we had fun, right? And then there's Mario...damn, I'm going to hate
saying goodbye to him. He's taken such good care of me...when I have
to get on that van for Kentucky, I...I...it's gonna be so hard...can we talk
about something else?

Of course. Who was your biggest idol growing up? Azeri. What a
great racemare. I had her poster on my stall wall. When we were out in
the field, I'd play "Breeders' Cup Distaff 2002" over and over, all by
myself. Mom would be yelling at me, "It's time for lunch!" and chasing
me, and I'd pretend she was Farda Amiga--she never caught me.

What's playing on your Ipod right now? Zappa, the Zombies, ZZ
Top...I have "Legs" on repeat!

What is your drink of choice? H2O...and the water would be Fiji, of
course.

It's hard to find fault, but is there anything you don't like about
yourself? Don't laugh, but when I was young, the other kids used to
make fun of my hindquarters. They'd call me "Zenya-gottabigbutta ."
Foals can be so cruel. I had quite the complex--that's why I always
raced at the back of the pack. I was very self conscious about it. I'd wait
and wait--and then run by the field so fast, I was only a blur. I'm over it
now--I'm beautiful, and I know it. And that last-to-first thing really worked
out in my favor, no? Those foals, they can...well, you know what they
can do!

How did you come up with your signature walk? Have you ever seen
a wild stallion fighting? Right before he gets ready to rumble, he strikes
the ground with a front leg--wham! It's my way of trash-talking. ..the other
horses know they are going down! I like to rub it in a little after the race,
too.

How do you feel about retirement? It's time. I love to race, but, to be
honest, where's the challenge any more? And I don't want to play past
my prime. I'm no Brett Favre. Go out on top--that's the way I want it.

Are you looking forward to being a mom? I am! I know everyone
thinks I am this tough broad, but that's only on the track. I can't wait to
have a little one that I can take care of and show the ropes. And I hope
my first is a girl--a dark bay filly with a white stripe and a big butt!

Any thoughts on the baby daddy? Wouldn't it be ironic if it was
Medaglia d'Oro? Because, I'm telling you, if Rachel Alexandra and I had
ever met on the track, she'd know who "her daddy" was. But, seriously, I
think that would be one beautiful foal.

So you feel you are the Horse of the Year? Don't get me wrong, I'm
the first one to give it up for Rachel. She was amazing this year. But are
you asking me who is the better horse? Really??

----- Original Message -----

From: arlene aquino

To: retraintbs@yahoogroups.com

Cc: over40chickenclub@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Saturday, November 14, 2009 8:25 AM

Subject: Re: [retraintbs] I Hung up my Bridle Today

 

I read this and so much of it applied to me.  Is it time for me to hang up my bridle (for good)?  I have not ridden in a year and the bones in my body may not want to cooperate for a ride on my Saint.  Five years ago I did try to hang up my bridle, gave my Arab gelding away to my niece and all of the 'stuff' that went with him.  That did not work then and I doubt if it would work now.  I love this bit of poetry, it is so true. --- On Fri, 11/13/09, Laurie Zaporzan <laurie@ritzmachine.com> wrote: From: Laurie Zaporzan <laurie@ritzmachine.com> Subject: [retraintbs] I Hung up my Bridle Today To: Undisclosed-Recipient@yahoo.com Date: Friday, November 13, 2009, 2:55 PM   Permission granted to forward, enjoy.   Laurie ;o)   I Hung up my Bridle Today by Kris Garrett 11-11-09   Yesterday, for the first time, I was too tired to ride Yesterday, for the first time, I was afraid I would be hurt if I was thrown Yesterday, for the first time, I heard someone say my barn was too shabby Yesterday, for the first time, I let someone tell me I was too pudgy to ride Yesterday, for the first time, I realized I was old Yesterday, for the first time, I had to face that I could no longer keep up Yesterday, for the first time, I had to let go of my dreams Yesterday, for the first time, I felt my heart break Yesterday, for the first time, I turned my back on my friend Yesterday, for the first time, I knew I was done   Today, for the last time, I felt warm, braided leather in my hands. Today, for the last time, I ran my stirrups up so they wouldn't bang my mare's sides Today, for the last time, I released the buckles on the girth and watched my girl sigh Today, for the last time, I slowly dropped the bit so it wouldn't hit her teeth Today, for the last time, I gave my mare a cookie to thank her for the ride Today, for the last time, I buried my head in her soft, warm neck Today, for the last time, I inhaled the sun and the dust in her long winter coat Today, for the last time, I closed the gate and trudged to the muddy porch Today, for the last time, I tracked hay and horse hair into my house Today, for the last time, I pulled off my boots and felt the sting of warm blood returning to my cold toes   Today, for the first time, I cried after my ride Today, for the first time, I felt my hands shake as I set the saddle on its rack Today, for the first time, I hugged my young trainer a final goodbye Today, for the first time, I waited for the new owner's trailer to arrive Today, for the first time, I set my boots in a box to go to the Goodwill Today, for the first time, I sighed at the wear on my riding gloves Today, for the first time, I had no hay in my hair Today, for the first time, I did not hear nickering when I opened my back door Today, for the first time, I felt worse leaving the barn that I did when I entered Today, for the first time, I had no one to check on before going to bed   Tomorrow, for the first time, I won't have to buy hay Tomorrow, for the first time, I can stay in bed longer Tomorrow, for the first time, I won't see the poop pile grow Tomorrow, for the first time, I won't be able to fly on four legs Tomorrow, for the first time, I will be sorry I listened Tomorrow, for the first time, I will regret letting her go Tomorrow, for the first time, I will be angry at God Tomorrow, for the first time, I will be angry at myself Tomorrow, for the first time, I will cry the day away Tomorrow, for the first time, I will be glad to die   Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will awaken in tears Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will know I was wrong Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will defy all the judgement Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will ignore my old bones Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will return the buyer's check Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will bring my friend home Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will take my boots out of the box Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will be reborn   For the rest of my life, I will have a horse in my yard For the rest of my life, I will ignore the cruel judging For the rest of my life, I will watch the poop pile grow For the rest of my life, I will have hay in my hair For the rest of my life, I will track mud in my house For the rest of my life, I will bury my face in her soft neck For the rest of my life, I will let my soul fly For the rest of my life, I will never be alone

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

Thank you for posting.  I think it will strike a chord with any one who is no
longer in the tweens and twenties.

Melinda

--- In retraintbs@yahoogroups.com, "Laurie Zaporzan" <laurie@...> wrote:
>
> Permission granted to forward, enjoy.
>
> Laurie ;o)
>
> I Hung up my Bridle Today
>
> by Kris Garrett
>
> 11-11-09
>
>
>
> Yesterday, for the first time, I was too tired to ride
>
>

----- Original Message -----

From: buffyblueny@...

To: retraintbs@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Saturday, October 31, 2009 2:12 PM

Subject: Re: [retraintbs] Calling all votes for People's Choice

 

Where can we see all the photos side by side? What happened with the jumping class? Is that done?

 

Bonny

 

In a message dated 10/31/2009 1:38:15 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, laurie@ritzmachine.com writes:

 

The VHS  Costume Class closed yesterday, so would everyone please vote NOW (if you have not already done so) so that we can announce a winner.  Please contact either email jodisbreeze2000@yahoo.com  or laurie@ritzmachine.com

and we shall compile votes and make the spooky announcement!!!

 

Laurie ;o)

Messages in this topic (1) Reply (via web post) | Start a new topic

MARKETPLACE

Mom Power: Discover the community of moms doing more for their families, for the world and for each other

.

yeah, thanks, Laurie.
second time for me today...first story was about a dog.
Anna

On 11/13/09, Shari Zimmerman <sharizim@...> wrote:
> Thanks for the teary eyes, Laurie :)
>
>
>
> --- On Fri, 11/13/09, Laurie Zaporzan <laurie@...> wrote:
>
>
> From: Laurie Zaporzan <laurie@...>
> Subject: [retraintbs] I Hung up my Bridle Today
> To: Undisclosed-Recipient@...
> Date: Friday, November 13, 2009, 4:55 PM
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Permission granted to forward, enjoy.
>
> Laurie ;o)
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> I Hung up my Bridle Today
>
> by Kris Garrett
>
> 11-11-09
>
>
>
>
> Yesterday, for the first time, I was too tired to ride
>
> Yesterday, for the first time, I was afraid I would be hurt if I was thrown
>
> Yesterday, for the first time, I heard someone say my barn was too shabby
>
> Yesterday, for the first time, I let someone tell me I was too pudgy to ride
>
> Yesterday, for the first time, I realized I was old
>
> Yesterday, for the first time, I had to face that I could no longer keep up
>
> Yesterday, for the first time, I had to let go of my dreams
>
> Yesterday, for the first time, I felt my heart break
>
> Yesterday, for the first time, I turned my back on my friend
>
> Yesterday, for the first time, I knew I was done
>
>
>
> Today, for the last time, I felt warm, braided leather in my hands.
>
> Today, for the last time, I ran my stirrups up so they wouldn't bang my
> mare's sides
>
> Today, for the last time, I released the buckles on the girth and watched my
> girl sigh
>
> Today, for the last time, I slowly dropped the bit so it wouldn't hit her
> teeth
>
> Today, for the last time, I gave my mare a cookie to thank her for the ride
>
> Today, for the last time, I buried my head in her soft, warm neck
>
> Today, for the last time, I inhaled the sun and the dust in her long winter
> coat
>
> Today, for the last time, I closed the gate and trudged to the muddy porch
>
> Today, for the last time, I tracked hay and horse hair into my house
>
> Today, for the last time, I pulled off my boots and felt the sting of
> warm blood returning to my cold toes
>
>
>
> Today, for the first time, I cried after my ride
>
> Today, for the first time, I felt my hands shake as I set the saddle on its
> rack
>
> Today, for the first time, I hugged my young trainer a final goodbye
>
> Today, for the first time, I waited for the new owner's trailer to arrive
>
> Today, for the first time, I set my boots in a box to go to the Goodwill
>
> Today, for the first time, I sighed at the wear on my riding gloves
>
> Today, for the first time, I had no hay in my hair
>
> Today, for the first time, I did not hear nickering when I opened my back
> door
>
> Today, for the first time, I felt worse leaving the barn that I did when I
> entered
>
> Today, for the first time, I had no one to check on before going to bed
>
>
>
> Tomorrow, for the first time, I won't have to buy hay
>
> Tomorrow, for the first time, I can stay in bed longer
>
> Tomorrow, for the first time, I won't see the poop pile grow
>
> Tomorrow, for the first time, I won't be able to fly on four legs
>
> Tomorrow, for the first time, I will be sorry I listened
>
> Tomorrow, for the first time, I will regret letting her go
>
> Tomorrow, for the first time, I will be angry at God
>
> Tomorrow, for the first time, I will be angry at myself
>
> Tomorrow, for the first time, I will cry the day away
>
> Tomorrow, for the first time, I will be glad to die
>
>
>
> Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will awaken in tears
>
> Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will know I was wrong
>
> Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will defy all the judgement
>
> Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will ignore my old bones
>
> Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will return the buyer's check
>
> Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will bring my friend home
>
> Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will take my boots out of the box
>
> Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will be reborn
>
>
>
> For the rest of my life, I will have a horse in my yard
>
> For the rest of my life, I will ignore the cruel judging
>
> For the rest of my life, I will watch the poop pile grow
>
> For the rest of my life, I will have hay in my hair
>
> For the rest of my life, I will track mud in my house
>
> For the rest of my life, I will bury my face in her soft neck
>
> For the rest of my life, I will let my soul fly
>
> For the rest of my life, I will never be alone
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>


--
www.charcoalfilly.com

Yea really... Had me gasping
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: Shari Zimmerman <sharizim@...>
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:35:40
To: <retraintbs@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: Re: [retraintbs] I Hung up my Bridle Today

�





Thanks for the teary eyes, Laurie :)
�
�

--- On Fri, 11/13/09, Laurie Zaporzan <laurie@...> wrote:

From: Laurie Zaporzan <laurie@...>
Subject: [retraintbs] I Hung up my Bridle Today
To: Undisclosed-Recipient@...
Date: Friday, November 13, 2009, 4:55 PM


�


Permission granted to forward, enjoy.
�
Laurie ;o)
�







I�Hung up my Bridle Today

by Kris Garrett

11-11-09

�


Yesterday, for the first time, I was too tired to ride

Yesterday, for the first time, I was afraid I would be hurt if I was thrown

Yesterday, for the first time, I heard someone say my�barn was too shabby

Yesterday, for the first time, I let�someone�tell me I was too�pudgy to ride

Yesterday, for the first time, I realized I was old

Yesterday, for the first time, I�had to�face that�I could no longer keep up

Yesterday, for the first time,�I had to let go of my dreams

Yesterday, for the first time, I felt my heart break

Yesterday, for the first time, I turned my back on my friend

Yesterday, for the first time, I knew I was done

�

Today, for the last time, I felt warm, braided�leather in my hands.

Today, for the last time, I ran my stirrups up so they wouldn't bang my mare's
sides

Today, for the last time, I released the buckles on the girth and watched my
girl sigh

Today, for the last time, I slowly dropped the bit so it wouldn't hit her teeth

Today, for the last time, I gave my mare�a cookie to thank�her for the ride

Today, for the last time, I buried my head in her soft, warm�neck

Today, for the last time, I inhaled the sun and the dust in her long winter coat

Today, for the last time, I closed the gate and trudged to the muddy porch

Today, for the last time, I tracked hay and horse�hair into my house

Today, for the last time, I pulled off my boots and felt the sting of warm�blood
returning to my cold�toes

�

Today, for the first time, I cried after my ride

Today, for the first time, I�felt�my hands shake as I set the saddle on its rack

Today, for the first time, I hugged my young trainer a final�goodbye

Today, for the�first time, I waited for the new owner's trailer to arrive

Today, for the first time, I�set my boots in a box to go to the Goodwill

Today, for the first time, I�sighed at the wear on�my riding gloves

Today, for the first time, I had no hay in my hair

Today, for the first time, I did not hear nickering when I opened my back door

Today, for the first time,�I felt worse leaving the barn�that I did when I
entered

Today, for the first time, I had no one to check on before going to bed

�

Tomorrow, for the first time, I won't have to buy hay

Tomorrow, for the first time, I can stay in bed longer

Tomorrow, for the first time, I won't�see the poop pile grow

Tomorrow, for the first time, I won't be able to fly on four legs

Tomorrow, for the first time, I will be sorry I listened

Tomorrow, for the first time, I will regret letting her go

Tomorrow, for the first time, I will be angry at God

Tomorrow, for the first time, I will be angry at myself

Tomorrow, for the first time, I will cry the day away

Tomorrow, for the first time, I will be glad to die

�

Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will awaken in tears

Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will know I was wrong

Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will defy all the judgement

Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will ignore my old bones

Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will return the buyer's check

Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will bring my�friend home

Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will take my boots out of the box

Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will be reborn

�

For the rest of my life, I will have a horse in my yard

For the rest of my life, I will ignore the cruel judging

For the rest of my life, I will watch the poop pile grow

For the rest of my life, I will have hay in my hair

For the rest of my life, I will track mud in my house

For the rest of my life, I will bury my face in her soft neck

For the rest of my life, I will let my soul fly

For the rest of my life, I will never be alone



�

----- Original Message -----

From: buffyblueny@...

To: retraintbs@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Friday, November 13, 2009 5:39 PM

Subject: Re: [retraintbs] I Hung up my Bridle Today

 

LOL! Same here! I just sent it to ALL my horsie friends - let them enjoy it too!

 

Bonny


-----Original Message-----
From: Shari Zimmerman <sharizim@yahoo.com>
To: retraintbs@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Fri, Nov 13, 2009 6:35 pm
Subject: Re: [retraintbs] I Hung up my Bridle Today

 

Thanks for the teary eyes, Laurie :)     --- On Fri, 11/13/09, Laurie Zaporzan <laurie@ritzmachine.com> wrote: From: Laurie Zaporzan <laurie@ritzmachine.com> Subject: [retraintbs] I Hung up my Bridle Today To: Undisclosed-Recipient@yahoo.com Date: Friday, November 13, 2009, 4:55 PM   Permission granted to forward, enjoy.   Laurie ;o)   I Hung up my Bridle Today by Kris Garrett 11-11-09   Yesterday, for the first time, I was too tired to ride Yesterday, for the first time, I was afraid I would be hurt if I was thrown Yesterday, for the first time, I heard someone say my barn was too shabby Yesterday, for the first time, I let someone tell me I was too pudgy to ride Yesterday, for the first time, I realized I was old Yesterday, for the first time, I had to face that I could no longer keep up Yesterday, for the first time, I had to let go of my dreams Yesterday, for the first time, I felt my heart break Yesterday, for the first time, I turned my back on my friend Yesterday, for the first time, I knew I was done   Today, for the last time, I felt warm, braided leather in my hands. Today, for the last time, I ran my stirrups up so they wouldn't bang my mare's sides Today, for the last time, I released the buckles on the girth and watched my girl sigh Today, for the last time, I slowly dropped the bit so it wouldn't hit her teeth Today, for the last time, I gave my mare a cookie to thank her for the ride Today, for the last time, I buried my head in her soft, warm neck Today, for the last time, I inhaled the sun and the dust in her long winter coat Today, for the last time, I closed the gate and trudged to the muddy porch Today, for the last time, I tracked hay and horse hair into my house Today, for the last time, I pulled off my boots and felt the sting of warm blood returning to my cold toes   Today, for the first time, I cried after my ride Today, for the first time, I felt my hands shake as I set the saddle on its rack Today, for the first time, I hugged my young trainer a final goodbye Today, for the first time, I waited for the new owner's trailer to arrive Today, for the first time, I set my boots in a box to go to the Goodwill Today, for the first time, I sighed at the wear on my riding gloves Today, for the first time, I had no hay in my hair Today, for the first time, I did not hear nickering when I opened my back door Today, for the first time, I felt worse leaving the barn that I did when I entered Today, for the first time, I had no one to check on before going to bed   Tomorrow, for the first time, I won't have to buy hay Tomorrow, for the first time, I can stay in bed longer Tomorrow, for the first time, I won't see the poop pile grow Tomorrow, for the first time, I won't be able to fly on four legs Tomorrow, for the first time, I will be sorry I listened Tomorrow, for the first time, I will regret letting her go Tomorrow, for the first time, I will be angry at God Tomorrow, for the first time, I will be angry at myself Tomorrow, for the first time, I will cry the day away Tomorrow, for the first time, I will be glad to die   Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will awaken in tears Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will know I was wrong Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will defy all the judgement Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will ignore my old bones Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will return the buyer's check Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will bring my friend home Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will take my boots out of the box Day after tomorrow, for the first time, I will be reborn   For the rest of my life, I will have a horse in my yard For the rest of my life, I will ignore the cruel judging For the rest of my life, I will watch the poop pile grow For the rest of my life, I will have hay in my hair For the rest of my life, I will track mud in my house For the rest of my life, I will bury my face in her soft neck For the rest of my life, I will let my soul fly For the rest of my life, I will never be alone