IN MEMORIAM

Hobbiton Tinuviel 1987-1992 - continued

Besides being an adoring mother, Ginger’s biggest attraction was her personality. Everyone loved her and she loved everyone. Over the years, she had gathered her own exclusive fan club of admirers, mostly young impressionable children, or timid individuals. With her ever-present warm inviting nature, these people quickly overcame their fear of the horse’s titanic proportions. Needless to say, her favourite “people” activity was parades. It was difficult keeping her in a straight line on the parade route. She often wandered over to the crowds, ears pricked forward, hoping to be petted. And there was one special little trick she had that delighted both the young and old.

Hobbiton Tinuviel PictureMabel Owen once said that Ginger almost went through life with the nickname “Tongue”. She had a fetish for sticking her tongue out of the left side of her mouth whenever someone approached her. You couldn’t possibly ignore it, in fact she wanted very much for you to stroke her tongue. She would cock her head in the desired position, encouraging you to pet it, smiling at the same time. It was somewhat embarrassing when she was judged on line. She wanted to get the judge’s attention, so as if on cue, out popped the tongue when he or she would approach. We gave up scolding her for it, and eventually just accepted this peculiarity as part of her endearing character, returning her to broodmare ranks. She had this habit right from birth, according to Mabel, and it stuck with her all her days.

Like her son Reflection, Ginger too made an exceptional trail horse that could out-walk any horse on the farm. She wasn’t content to hold back, because slow walking wasn’t her thing – when you walked – YOU WALKED!

This past spring, Ginger presented us with her last foal sired by Trillium Samson. From day one, this bright fellow followed everyone around with the benefit of traditional training to lead. Just being with people seems natural. He (Trillium Brass Buttons) definitely inherited his mom’s charm and personality.

Ginger’s only two daughters are highly prized by their owners. Hobbiton Eowyn is one of the Lauralee Morgan Farm’s most valuable broodmares, while Windwalker Red Willo is fast becoming “the best Morgan who we have ever owned”, as stated by owner Joan Pearce.

Another of Ginger’s offspring, also demands praise from his owners. Trillium Pride N Joy (a full brother to Reflection) is noted for that same personable nature and character. It is clear that Ginger’s disposition and manner was infectious, as so many of her offspring display it.

Ginger’s only outside breeding for us to UVM Dexter, produced Trillium Moonraker, a handsome young stallion. Raker carries Ginger’s carrot red mane and tail, accenting his deep rich wine-coloured coat. He most resembles his mother in colour and of course, that unbeatable walk.

Panting and exhausted now, her suspicious long curly coat, wet from the stress, she stood in the silent arena. Somehow it seemed more peaceful today, giving solitude to our final farewell before the veterinarian would ease her discomfort forever with a slight pinch of a fatal injection. I sorrowfully stroked her forelock and gently petted her shoulder now burden with unbearable pain supporting her aching tired frame. With feelings of deep emotion, it was time. It would be our first loss in 20 years of owning Morgans and my first personal loss ever of an equine companion. Saying goodbye to Ginger with a heart full of compassion and love couldn’t have been any tougher.

Postscript: Ginger’s condition was not confirmed, but she appeared to display the symptoms related to Cushings Disease, a disorder of the pituitary gland, most evident in aged broodmares past 19 years. It affects hair growth, muscle tone, respiration, with an increased thirst and bouts of laminitis. There is no cure at this time. A donation to the Canadian Morgan Horse Foundation will be made in her memory.