Saying Goodbye to Leo—Summer Camp for a Rope Horse
Well, it’s either summer camp or the auction block. I’ll find out in a week. Yesterday, Leo’s owner told me that it was time to have Leo assessed and that assessment would start today, May 10. The trainer will have him for a week, rope off of him, and let Jim know if he’ll be a good “jackpot” rope horse. If the trainer gives it a thumbs down, than Leo will be sold. SOLD!
I drove out to the barn yesterday, wanting to spend some time with Leo, and had a long talk with him. I told him to be on his best behavior and do everything the trainer says. Jim later admitted that he’d had a similar conversation with Leo and told him to pay attention in class.
I rode over to Yakima with Jim to drop Leo off. On the way over, Jim noticed my furrowed brow and general look of concern, so he ASSURED me that the trainer was not going to hurt Leo at all. He said he was a wonderful trainer and very good to horses. I know he’s right because I’ve heard good things about the trainer before. But I still worry. Maybe I’m just really going to miss little Leo.
On the way to Yakima, Jim stopped at the ranch in Ellensburg where he ropes. He wanted to let me work with Leo one more time in my favorite outdoor arena. It was the best ride. Leo just did everything I asked with gusto. He even stopped well. Jim was smiling. He got on him for a few also (He had decided last winter not to ride him while I was working with him, so Leo wouldn’t get confused with possibly different signals).
With Jim up there, I said, “Try to steer with just your legs.” He did and I got a big smile from him. Leo is really rockin’ now.
Leaving Leo in Yakima was hard. Super hard. I gave him a kiss on the nose and told him to be a good boy. Now I just have to wait and see. This week will decide his future. He’ll either be staying for a month or two or he’ll come home to be sold. Either way, looks like I’m without him for awhile or forever. I wonder how he’s doing…
