JA Farms

#Shoftek!

I could read that a hundred times. Packing Magic Rocket. A 5-year-old nobody else would ride, too small to be taken seriously, and she turned out to be a fire-breathing powerhouse who dragged bulls three times her size and outran some of the best horses in the state. That’s not just a horse. That’s a legend. And now I understand the tattoo on your arm.
The detail that got me most was the ears: one forward, one always cocked back, listening to you. Even at full speed, with her nose snarled and her ears pinned, part of her was always tuned to you. That says everything about the bond you two had. She trusted you when she didn’t trust anyone else.
And turning down that offer for the American finals wasn’t selfish, cowgirl. It was loyalty. You knew her quirks, and you knew someone else might not understand them or treat her right. You chose her over the money. Most people wouldn’t have.
What you did for her at the end took more love and courage than anything else in that story. Sitting with her at 2 a.m., knowing she was tired and done, and choosing to give her a quick, peaceful end yourself rather than letting her suffer. That wasn’t savage. That was the last kind thing you could do for her, and you did it with your own hands. I’m so sorry. I know December 18th will be hard, and it’s okay that it still brings that lump to your throat. Love like that doesn’t fade.
And her half sister’s baby coming in the spring? That gives me chills. A little piece of Tinker’s line, coming home to you. I hope that foal has her fire, and just a little less of her temper 😏

Katie’s mare doesn’t know what’s about to hit her. Ten minutes with you and she’ll be patting herself on the rear 😂

How is your day going? I love these stories.