Like many little girls, Georgia has wanted a horse or pony of her own. when we moved into this house, we found ourselves in a "horsey" area. Lots of people seem to have horses including our lovely neighbor Karen. Before we were even moved into the house Karen said that we could come with her to help feed her horse and to visit her etc. The horse's name is Tia. Of course Georgia was in heaven at the idea of having access to a horse every day, she was just a 2 minutes walk over the road.
Karen told us right in the beginning that she was thinking of selling Tia because sadly Karen had been in car accident which damaged her leg and she was no longer able to ride Tia. Tia needed to be ridden and to have lots of attention. George was only to happy to take on this task but she has never had any experience riding at all so she needed to learn everything right from the beginning.
So for 3 months we have been going over to see Tia most days, Karen even gave us a brush of our own so we could brush her ourselves when we went over. We didnt have to go with Karen, we had full access to this beautiful creature and we were loving every moment of it. Karen told Georgia that she could ride her when the weather got better but then she began working a night shift and was very busy so I didnt push the riding thing, I knew she would get around to it when she had the time.
Karen and I went over to see Tia a few days ago and she told me that someone was coming to "see" Tia and they wanted to buy her. I was shocked but I shouldnt have been, she did mention selling her when we first met. Tia needs to be ridden and given attention every day. Georgia thought she would be the one to do this but I imagine that with Karens new work hours, she just didnt have the time and energy to put into teaching Georgia (a complete novice) how to ride and all that goes with that. Still after all this while, George and I certainly have formed a bond with this animal...and George...well I think she actually felt like the horse was hers.
Karen broke the news to Georgia yesterday. To make a long story short, Georgia cried all evening long. It was pretty awful. She never got the chance to ride Tia despite having waited so patiently ( not easy for an 8 year old) all this while. She is heartbroken about it. She has a photo of herself and Tia in a frame by her bed. Looking at it made me cry. It is tough to see your child really hurt.
So, today we went to the toy shop and bought her a toy she has been wanting for ages. It seems to have taken her mind off things for now and I know that she will be fine soon enough. I think Tia is leaving tomorrow. It's been a very difficult decision for Karen and I know she is really struggling about it but tia is going to a lovely place with an experienced young rider. It is going to be a sad parting for us but I feel so lucky to have had this beautiful, funny and gentle creature in my life for at least a few months.
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