Dedication to Poseidon

Some relationships are once in a lifetime. Poseidon was my teammate, my best friend, my entire life. I consider myself extremely lucky to have been able to love so deeply, and to have developed a friendship that will transcend time.

A month before he died, Poseidon was diagnosed with a rare virus that causes fibrosis of the lungs. He received the best possible care, but it became clear that he was not responding to treatment. He could have been medicated for a little longer, but we were convinced that he should not suffer.

Death does not always afford us the opportunity to say goodbye. I was fortunate enough to be able to spend our last day together grooming and grazing - the same way we spent much of the past two year enjoying each other's company. I left him the way I want to remember him, peacefully eating a bucket of carrots.

Poseidon lived to compete in the show ring; he could gauge the importance of a show and rose to every occasion. The tougher the competition, the harder he tried. Often during the opening circle he would squeal to himself in excitement. He focused so intently on pleasing his rider, and was always proud of himself when he did. The most valuable lesson he taught me was how to trust.

His list of accomplishments is great. Over the two years I had him, we won the Marshall and Sterling Adult Medal Final, the FW-PHA Final and High Score Award, and the Monarch International Adult Equitation Championship. We were Circuit Champion at HITS in New York and Florida. We won the Horsemanship award at the OxRidge Charity Show and were champion at the Fairfield June Benefit. We placed 6th at CHJA Finals, 4th at New England Finals, and 7th in the Ariat Finals. We won classes at the Hampton Classic and were Series Champion at Old Salem Farm. I posted my first score in the 90s with him at the Fairfield Hunt Club.

Despite all his accomplishments, Poseidon was so much more than just a show horse to me. I spent every waking hour taking care of him, spending time with him, and making sure his world was perfect. I am grateful that I have no regrets; for two years, seven days a week, I treated him as if every day were his last. I told him I loved him a zillion times a day, and I think he knew. I believe I made him happy, and I don't think he ever suffered.

I will miss him forever, but I live with the comforting knowledge that in life he found nothing but happiness, and in death nothing but peace. He is also missed by his best equine friend, hunter champion Private Ryan, who was his grazing, grooming, and showing buddy. Poseidon always let Ryan finish his food.

Thank you to Leslie Kogos and Michele West for finding Poseidon for me; the DiSabatinios for letting me lease him; Dr. Mark Baus for all your help; Jamie, Susan, Leslie, and my parents for your support.