Zukowitz, my Horse
By Erica
Grade 9

ZUKOWITZ 1981-2002

Everyone knew Zuke. He was like one of those long lasting memories that never seemed to fade. He taught me how to ride. I can remember it like it was yesterday. He never tripped and he was lazy so it taught me to use my legs to push. I never used stirrups, so I could really grab on to him, and his canter was like a rocking horse; back and forth, back and forth. It could put you to sleep. He was always so calm. You could always count on him never to tell any of your secrets. Not only was he a horse, but a friend as well. I could always count on him to be there when I got home. It was always tough switching schools and making new friends, but he was always right there with me, almost all the time.

Zuke had been with us since Mom and Dad started working for Mr. Steele. Mr. Steele had gotten Zuke from Own Rinehart. He truly was one on those once in a life time horses. My mom used to say that he was a great horse for anyone because it took a lot to get him to go, but not to much to stop him. He also won Best Playing Pony a couple of times. He was getting really old, too. He had tail cancer and he had had a fungus on his eye. Yet he lived through it. Then one day while my mom and I were away, he came up to the barn covered in blood. My dad looked him over and saw no sign of a kick or injury. Then he noticed the blood was coming from his nose. My dad called the vet and he came shortly after. He said that Zuke’s intestines were twisted up and that the only way Zuke could survive was if the vet turned Zuke over and untangled the knots. Sometimes when horses roll the wrong way their intestines get tangled and sometimes they don’t live. My dad knew that that was the end and decided that there was probably a one in a hundred chance he would come out of it. When I heard the news, I was devastated and I didn’t stop crying. I couldn’t believe he was actually gone! I would never be able to see him again. I do go to visit his grave when I’m lonely and sad. He is buried in a field were he will be able to see beautiful mountains and wonderful scenery in his home in Virginia.

My friend, Alyssa, who just turned 8, had been used to riding on her horse Rascal and having riding lessons on other, ponies but I think Zuke was the only horse that she really trusted. The first time she had ever cantered on a horse was on Zuke. He was so calm and never tried to buck or hurt anyone. Not to say that he didn’t have it in him. Several times when we turned him out he would kick up his heels, but usually he just walked out very slowly then stop to eat grass and socialize. He was a very sociable horse. He was always with a mare though, never a gelding. If you left him at home and went to a polo game, or took him to the vet, he would go crazy! He loved being with his buddies. I think we were going to retire him from polo this year anyway, and we didn’t know how he would handle it; being away from his friends or handling the cold. He probably would have either died from the cold or worried himself to death.

I really miss him. It’s hard to put into words how I felt when I heard the shocking news. I thought no matter what horse comes along, no matter how great they may be, there is only one Zuke and no horse can give me what he gave me. He made me feel like I was somebody, like I actually knew what I was doing. He gave me the strength and support I needed to ride other horses. He gave me confidence. I figured he’d always be there for me whenever I needed him the most. No horse could ever take his place, ever. Even though you learn to live without them, it is sometimes very difficult after you’ve spent most of your life with them. You never know when something unexpected like this might happen. So love your horses, give them special attention, and cherish their memories.