Benji - the horse that will always remain with me

Sophia was a contiunal support to both me and Benji right from the start, she knew how much we both meant to each other, and as such, it seemed only right that she would be the next person to ride him - just to see how he'd cope - she was and still is a talented dressage rider with a quiet disposition which was just what Benji needed.

Being a nervous horse, prone to panicing with others, Sophia and I had spent a long time getting him used to her handling him - after all she'd been involved from the start.

The day came, it was a huge day for all of us, me because I hoped I was doing the right thing and I hoped he'd still trust me afterwards, Sophia because she knew how important it was to me & Benji, and Benji himself because he had become used to it just being me that rode him.

Being the little lamb he was, he stood perfectly at the block whilst Sophia mounted, he was a little jittery when she asked him to move away, and kept needing reassurance, but once he realised he was in safe hands, he accepted it. That first day, they stayed in walk, apart from when Benji spooked at a fence (the same one he'd seen every day!) and broke into a 'jog'.

I'm pretty sure there wasn't a dry eye between us that day.
 
Huge congratulations to you for saving Benji, you did a marvelous job. On a slightly different note, I really think that you should consider writing a book about your experiences. You have an excellent way of keeping your readers focused on your posts and that is a great advantage. Personally, I couldn't wait to read the next part, even with the tears flowing. You have a real talent, please don't waste it.
 
dunthing said:
Huge congratulations to you for saving Benji, you did a marvelous job. On a slightly different note, I really think that you should consider writing a book about your experiences. You have an excellent way of keeping your readers focused on your posts and that is a great advantage. Personally, I couldn't wait to read the next part, even with the tears flowing. You have a real talent, please don't waste it.
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deffinatly agree with the book idea, i would buy it :)
and it wouild be a great way to inspire opthere
s and let them know about you experiences :)
 
What an amazing story. Benji was one lucky boy to fall into your amazingly capable young hands. I cannot even begin to contemplate how people can be so disgustingly cruel to such wonderful animals.
I too, think you write beautifully. Bear that book in mind. :)
RIP Benji - what a fantastic boy he was.
 
Away from Benji, my life was in turmoil, as although I had started eating, I was also self harming, my parents were fighting, and I was beaten and assaulted on more than one occasion, it was painful to be at home.

Benji was my main source of comfort, he was my only confidant and on the days after one of my fathers most violent and disgusting assaults, I broke down in his stable, in tears of fear and pain. Benjis big eyes looked at me with concern, he came over to me and nuzzled his neck and face against me, as if he was cuddling me. I told him everything, all the painful memories I'd kept inside for so long came tumbling out, he moved his ears as if he was really listening and occasionally would whicker at me. His presence was comforting. His stable was my safety net, the one place I knew I'd never be harmed - ironic considering Benji was a big, strong horse.
 
I love this story. The more I read the happyer I am that Benji found you. (for both your sakes) You did a wonderful thing in helping him and it's so lovely that he could help you back. Horses are truly amazing creatures after all he went through he lurned to trust again. xxxxx
 
so glad this is back. you worked absolute wonders with him. you should seriously consider a book, this story is just amazing. leaves you wanting to read more all the time. xxx
 
Keep writing this story is absolutely beautiful a big well done to you for all that you did for your horse.....and a big well done to him for all that he did for you. Cant wait to hear more.
 
I was soon to find that Benji was unsure about how to canter forwardly, it often felt that we were cantering on the spot at first, so after weeks of wondering 'what on earth', it was during one of our very laid back 'bareback, headcollar and leadrope' sessions (yes yes naughty naughty), I squeezed him up into canter and he actually went forwards, I was shocked at first as I'd been expecting another 'canter on the spot' type movement, so I decided it was the bridle/bit was the problem and had his teeth checked again, sure enough there was a slight swelling on his tougue, which wasn't bad enough for him to react to it in trot or walk, it hurt him in canter. So we went bridleless whilst the swelling went down.

I trusted him in a head collar, I knew whilst although he was prone to the odd 'panic' he never actually bolted. (Note: this was all done in a school, not out hacking ect). He responed well to this change, his striding grew more extended and 'bold'. He felt fantastic, with or without a saddle.
 
We worked at our flat work both on the lunge and under saddle, he kept surprising me with his willingness to learn, he never felt like anything was too much trouble for him, and before long he was able to do fly changes to perfection, it was hard work but we got there, the two of us fighting our demons together.

He had a kind heart and knew instantly when something wasn't right, the day after I'd been admitted to hospital after self harming he nuzzled into my shoulder. I sobbed that so hard that day, he was the only one who had any idea what was going on away from my horsey life.

That day we were in the school having our usual session, this time there was a TINY cavalette in the middle of it, I got sick to death of avoiding it in the end, and thought 'why not, theres no harm in seeing what he'll do' so I trotted him towards it confidently, and he jumped it, not cat leaped, not bunny hopped it, he jumped. Sophia stood in silence with her mouth open. My heart skipped a beat, I was stunned! Nobody expected him to be able to do anything on the flat let alone jump work... this was the changing point in Benjis life, it was the moment he gained peoples respect.
 
Bumping - because I've just discovered this post and having now found the tissues want to add to the "please continue the story" comments.

I'm really glad you found each other
RIP Benji

x
 
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