One year!

My, my. Where has the time gone? Today is a very important day. On this day last year, I had a TERRIFYING ride to my new home with Spode. Wow, what a blur!

I remember the day Spode came to see me for the first time. That was back when I lived in Richmond. Spode drove out to look at me and my buddy at the time. That was when I was called Prince (as was my buddy... It was a confusing time).
Spode was dazzled by my good looks as soon as she stepped out of her van. Spode's mum said she knew I was coming home as soon as she saw the look in Spode's eyes.
Me being me, I came right up to Spode. And that was that.

Hi. Are you my new mum?

Spode didn't even see the other Prince. Her eyes never left me. 

Even I can admit I was not blessed in the looks department on that day. I'm amazed she bought me! Those back hooves were a mess. 

I tried to bite Spode whenever she pet me anywhere but my neck. She really wanted to feel my legs but no way was that happening. Think about it. Would you let some stranger you've never seen feel your legs? No, I didn't think so.

Leaving so soon? Come again... old sport.

You see just like Fitzgerald's Gatsby, I went from being nothing to being something. I was just a nobody in the midwest, but I found a girl (her name is Spode, not Daisy) and now I possess infinite hope. This is what happens when your owner reads you her favourite novel and names you after her favourite character...

Less than ten days later, I arrived. Spode took the lead from my old owner and took me off the trailer. Then there was a fairly long struggle convincing me to enter the barn. Not long after, the vet arrived to give me a once over. That's right, Mrs. Vet the wonderful. Evangeline came to make sure Spode wasn't buying a hot mess. We had some issues with that too and Spode said it was certainly not your standard vet check since I was untouchable in some areas. But funnily enough, Mrs. Vet got a stellar look at both my eyes that day! I was given the all clear in that department. If only it had lasted... 

I was drenched in sweat from my scary first trailer ride and then Spode had me run in the sand ring so the vet and her could discuss my movement. After that, Spode signed the papers and I officially went from being Prince to Gatsby.  

Well who would have thought...

I went from being this little guy....

(a very handsome little guy, am I right?)

To being this BIG guy!

I was pretty happy with my new home

And especially happy with my new gal! 

Hard to believe that was one year ago today! I'm so much more mature looking now... and dare I say handsome!

I got a few inches taller, too. And I swear my nose is a little straighter!

My how we've grown.

Well, mostly me!

Of course I don't always look so distinguished. 

It's sure been a rough ride at times in the year we've had together (though the actual riding part has been fairly easy, haha!). I've had uveitis for 6 months now. Between flare ups, surgery, specialists, cataracts, ulcers, temporary blindness, mystery spots, and about a million vet appointments, there has been plenty of tears and stress (for both of us). I think we've had more than our fair share already in a measly 6 month period, and it's a little worrying that this could just keep going on and on for the rest of my life. But Spode and I get through it and we still have a good time. This week I got uveitis again. We surpassed our ten day record but only made it to day 12 before I came down with another flare up. But luckily this time it is extremely mild and I'm managing so far on just two eye drops and my daily aspirin. If my flare ups are all this mild from now on, then that surgery was 100% worth it. We'll see how it plays out. Mrs. Vet the Wonderful has also suggested a new medication we might try later on depending on how the rest of my flare up goes. For now, I'm a-okay and counting my lucky stars that Spode found me and I found Spode. Who knows what would have happened if someone else had bought me and my uveitis hit. Makes me shudder. I'm a lucky horse. And Spode counts herself as a lucky owner despite the issues. 

Why, you ask?

Because I love her like crazy. I always come when she arrives (often at a trot or canter!) and I'd follow her anywhere (indeed, twice I've followed her onto a trailer even though it's always bad news!). I let her medicate my eyes ten or more times a day and I still won't leave her side. Spode counts herself lucky because she's owned two horses and we were both head over heels for her (Zoodles once went literally head over heels with her. I'm not sure that was exactly what Spode wanted from him, but he did it!). Zoodles and I have unintentionally taught her some hard lessons along the way, but we've also given her enough joy to last a lifetime. As Spode has said numerous times, she wouldn't have it any other way, and I wouldn't either. No regrets here, old sports. 

I'll love you forever!

And since I brought up Zoodles again, it's worth repeating that I owe him a lot for being where I am today. Spode didn't think she'd get another horse for a long time after Zoodles passed away, but the mark he left only proved to her that there are all kinds of love in this world, but never the same love twice (yes, it's our favourite Fitzgerald quotation! How did you guess?)

Much love, Zoodles. You made a good Spode. 

Until later, old sports. Spode and I need to celebrate!

Jay.