One in a Million

...and on the eighth day, God created the horse in perfect image, to romp, graze, gallop, play and make manure wherever it darn well pleases, in divine grace.

Note: January of 2019 marks the 12th anniversary of writing "Horsin’ Around with Roseanne," here at CN and also the 12th anniversary marking the death of her beloved draft horse, Danny Boy.

I’ve met a lot of horses over the years, and I have to say that Danny Boy was that one-in-a-million animal; there will never be another one like him.

I like to keep his memory alive, and I would be honored if you’d read a previously published article in this week’s column:

“Previously published in the Community News.”

horse-danny-boy"Obituary: Danny Boy: On Sunday evening, January 14, 2007, our beautiful Percheron Draft Horse, Danny Boy, passed away in his stall here at the farm, after a long illness.

Danny Boy worked for the Amish in his early life, then at a hack stable in Cleveland.

We loved Danny Boy the first time we ever saw him. His beautiful face, kind eyes, and gentle way with children made him the favorite at our barn.

Danny Boy could be seen the past few years at the Jamestown Fair, where he was a big hit, surrounded by bunches of kids who made a special point of visiting him there.

A 5-time 1st place Gelding, 2-time Reserve Grand Champion and a 3-time Winner Best Parade Horse, he was a beautiful sight going down the street, with flowers and ribbons in his long, white tail.

He will be sadly missed by all of us who had the honor of knowing him."

My family and I want to thank everyone for all the prayers, cards and telephone calls during this time; we continue to be surprised at the large number of people who knew this very special horse.

Young Paul Bortnik, of Bortnik Dairy out in Conneautville is reportedly inconsolable over the news and refuses to come back to the stable or to visit the gravesite.

It is now time to celebrate Danny Boy’s life, and know it’s okay to be sad because he’s passed on.

Horsemen, love your horse today, he may not be here tomorrow.

Go out to the barn right now and give him a big hug; you never know when he’ll be gone for good.

We tend to take for granted that our Equine friends are always going to be here with us, but it is rare in life that the things we love most remain constantly by our side.

Make it one of your goals to have photos taken of your horse, as they are an excellent way to keep his memory alive. Video is good, too, but photos are easier to share.

Simple things like trail rides are great opportunities to have snap-shots taken of you and your horse.

Even wintertime can be good in a snowy field (not mud), for a photo-op, he looks cute in his winter coat and white is a great background.

This summer, have a friend help you take pictures, and make sure the horse is bathed and clean. Sand the hooves and get some hoof polish, and rub some baby-oil on his muzzle.

You’ll know then why Horsemen say, "He cleans up real nice, don’t he?"

Again, fields can be good backdrops, as they are open with lots of light. Steer clear of farm equipment or old tires, as you want your baby to be the focal point. Standing on a hay bale to shoot some of the photos helps to create different angles, and remember to accentuate his positive features, such as small ears or a nice jaw line.

Looking through the old photos of Danny Boy and admiring yet again how handsome he was reminds me of what we were doing that day, and you can do the same thing with your horse.

An incorrigible beggar, Danny Boy loved his carrots and peppermint candy, and Whoa was his favorite word.

People were naturally drawn to him at the barn, bypassing our beautiful Morgan Show Horses and heading straight for Danny Boy.

Kids would stand in line down at the Jamestown Fair for a chance to sit on his back and the empty stall here at the barn is matched only by the empty space in our hearts that has been created since he’s been gone.

...Something is calling from glen to glen...the summer’s gone and all the leaves are

falling, but come back when summer’s in the meadow,

Or when the valley’s hushed and white with snow.

I’ll be here in sunshine or in shadow,

Oh, Danny Boy, I love you so...

Gone, but never forgotten, I still miss him like it was yesterday when I think about him.

Closing my eyes, I can see him yet; closing for this week with the immortal words of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, "Happy Trails to You."