by Tina Millard
Bndit came into my life eleven years ago. It was a fluke incident someone heard me in passing I was looking for a horse and said they had one in my price range. I remember him being led up next to me and all I said was "I want him" I did not look at any of the things most people do when considering a horse for purchase...I did not need to, I just knew he was the one. He was all white and had a black head. Everyone remember him wherever we went and we went lots of places together. Not to show off, but I wanted to do these things because they were with my Bandit. He made friends with everyone and I don't think he meet a person he did not like. I learned so much from him even though I was supposed to be training him. My life was based on Bandit. He entered the show ring and people would watch him, not because we were the best ( we were not:-)but he did very well in all things) But because he had such presence you just enjoyed watching him. He would as one spectator put it "fly" over jumps one day and then run barrels the next and I never did anything he did not enjoy. My friend said that to watch us run, you could not tell where his mane stopped and I began we were as one. He did what was asked of him but not because I made him but because he wanted to. I never broke his spirit because to do so would be to break my own spirit. He died a sudden and tragic death one week ago. He was only thirteen. I found myself asking why couldn't I have had more time with him. Then one day it dawned on me.. I should be thankful for all the time I did have with him. I will always love him and never forget him. He had many friends in this world who will miss him. But he also has friends already at Rainbow Bridge. I miss you and love you Bandit. Your soulmate, Tina