2008 Love Your Horse Senior Horse Photo Contest Winners

Photo Credit: Jennifer Bois-Slattery

Our 17:2 hh, 1800 pound, and 28 year old Belgian gentleman, Dick is being driven by our 8:2 hh, 40-pound, 4-year-old great nephew, Sam Slattery. With one look, you can easily see that Dick is a very gentle giant who shows the value of an old horse, still giving back by taking care of his young driver.

In March 2005, we were honored to provide a retirement home for Dick and his two teammates, Bonnie and Tess, longtime, hard-working residents of Stonewall Farm in Keene, NH. Though sadly we have since lost the mares, Dick is still with us, a daily reminder of the treasures an old horse brings into your life.

Dick has done just about everything a horse can do for humans. He pulled plows, hay rakes, mowers, wagons, sleighs, and logs and has participated in parades. He always did these things with grace, dignity, great gentleness, and without complaint.

We do everything we can to make Dick’s retirement comfortable and full of love. He thrives on being groomed and having his special spots scratched, and munching on carrots with every meal. He closes his eyes in pleasure during his leg massages, and yet still has a young heart as he plays with his much younger stable mates.

With the best care we can provide, regular appointments with the blacksmith and vet, and a measure of good luck, this sweet-tempered and sensitive soul may continue to honor us with his presence for many years to come. We truly hope so.