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Good-bye Bear
Mar. 21st, 2005 11:39 amI have followed some of the horses in the joust for years ... some I knew their names, some I didn't but I learned to recognize most of them years ago (hey, I am a bit of a horse geek). This past season, my job included telling some of the people at the faire about the horses as individuals. Kate Cox graciously gave me some info and I built on it listening to the knights, watching the knights, squires, and horses.
Each of these magnificent animals is an individual with quirks and personality. Like many people, I have my favorites and I will root for that horse (and his rider) if I don't already have a rider that I am rooting for in the pairing. One of my favorites (for years) is a grey shire. Another was a 'small' percheron named 'Bear'. Bear's 'real' name was Frankenbear because he had some scars on his head from typical horse stupidity.
Bear joined the Free Lancers in 1994 (so he had been doing the job for 11 years) and was the half-brother of one of the other horses (Silver who passed away suddenly several years ago of an apparent heart-attack). He was the 'little' horse on the field after Peter (the thoroughbred) passed away. Though he was the shortest horse out there, he was the top dog. He was the alpha in the field and during the baston courses he would often nip at (and sometimes on) the other horse.
He was known for his bucking charge down the list. He was also known for his gentleness and dependability. Bear passed away this weekend from a respiratory infection that they thought he was beating (the vets were apparently hopeful of his recovery ... and he seemed to be improving).
I didn't have the honor of getting to know him personally (one on one) because I do not interact with the horses directly (I like having my head attached and don't really need it bitten off for doing something to inadvertantly upset the horses). I am sorry I never had the chance to scritch that fine old grey head and see if I could get the happy face going.
Rest in peace old man. May your pastures be green, you list be smooth, and your spirit free.
Each of these magnificent animals is an individual with quirks and personality. Like many people, I have my favorites and I will root for that horse (and his rider) if I don't already have a rider that I am rooting for in the pairing. One of my favorites (for years) is a grey shire. Another was a 'small' percheron named 'Bear'. Bear's 'real' name was Frankenbear because he had some scars on his head from typical horse stupidity.
Bear joined the Free Lancers in 1994 (so he had been doing the job for 11 years) and was the half-brother of one of the other horses (Silver who passed away suddenly several years ago of an apparent heart-attack). He was the 'little' horse on the field after Peter (the thoroughbred) passed away. Though he was the shortest horse out there, he was the top dog. He was the alpha in the field and during the baston courses he would often nip at (and sometimes on) the other horse.
He was known for his bucking charge down the list. He was also known for his gentleness and dependability. Bear passed away this weekend from a respiratory infection that they thought he was beating (the vets were apparently hopeful of his recovery ... and he seemed to be improving).
I didn't have the honor of getting to know him personally (one on one) because I do not interact with the horses directly (I like having my head attached and don't really need it bitten off for doing something to inadvertantly upset the horses). I am sorry I never had the chance to scritch that fine old grey head and see if I could get the happy face going.
Rest in peace old man. May your pastures be green, you list be smooth, and your spirit free.