Voyager
The Story of a Horse
by
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VOYAGER
The Story of a Horse
Chapter 1
It was still night when I awoke, hours yet before dawn. What was it that had interrupted my sleep? I yawned and stretched my neck and my back. Oh yes, there it was, the ever-present ache that has been my constant companion for what seems an eternity. Gingerly, I stretched my twisted leg, and felt the stab of pain I knew would be there. I looked around me and decided as long as I was awake, I might as well attempt to rise. I rocked myself slowly back and forth until I had my front legs better balanced. I held my breath and gave a heave forward. A bit wobbly—reminded me of the days when I was a foal, but I was up.
I hold my breath as I hobble around my pasture. The first few steps are always the worse, until I get myself loosened up. As I stumble over to the tank for a few sips of water I notice my pasture mates nearby. Rocky, my best friend is laying down, snoring softly. I smile as I remember how earlier in the day he begged me to join him in a game.
“C’mon,” Rocky had pleaded, “Just a quick canter around Polo. You know how that drives her crazy!”
“Rocky, I wish I could,” I shook my head.
“Then let’s just do it,” Rocky gave me a bump and a nudge with his nose.
I shook my head again, “I can’t. My leg just hurts too much today, maybe later”
Rocky pushed again, a bit harder this time; while he smiled at me, “Bet I’ll make her mad first.”
I smiled back, “Bet I do!”
We pushed and nudged with our heads, snaking our necks, acting like a couple of colts. Just as quickly, the game is over. I need to rest. Rocky gives me an affectionate rub on my wither.
“That was fun! You rest and maybe we’ll play again later,” Rocky tells me as he drops his head to graze. He knows my limits, and was happy with our short bit of play.
My fumbling tonight awakens Polo. In typical mare fashion, she flattens her ears at me, giving me a glare of disgust for disturbing her sleep.
After my drink I hobble out further in the pasture. I want to be alone, and away from Polo. I never know when the pinned ears will be followed by a charge, and I am in no shape to be able to elude her at the moment.
After nibbling a bit on the rich grass of my pasture, I settle in a comfortable spot where I can see the others, yet I can be alone.
I sniff my twisted front leg. It is grotesque, my knee huge with arthritis. How long has it been since it was shaped normally? At this point I can no longer even walk straight, rather twist and contort my body in order to get around. My feet hurt today as well. I remember the farrier telling my human that there wasn’t anything more he could do to balance me. I suppose my crooked walk has brought about the damage to my feet as well. I feel so old right now, so very, very old.
How many years has it been since I could run and gallop, or even walk without pain—walk like a normal horse? It seems like forever.
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About the Book
This is the story of Voyager, an Arabian horse nearing the final days of his life. One particular evening, Voyager begins to look back. He reminisces about the journey of his life, the roads he had traveled, and the friendships he had made. Throughout his journey, his mother’s words reverberated: “Live your life with honor.”
About the Author
Marty Cellio has had a lifelong love of writing and has combined this love with her love for horses. She has grown up with horses in her life starting from early childhood. She currently lives in North Carolina with her husband of thirty-six years, three dogs, and one horse. She has two children, two in-law children, and four grandchildren.