THE Video Man

The unthinkable happened on Thursday, July 7. We lost Video Man after another bout with colic that put him into shock and (we think) the beginning of heart failure. He was 25 - and as my father insensitively noted later "that's a pretty good life for a horse." (Yes, I know he meant well but it was one of the most insensitive things he could have said at the time.)

I would have chosen for Manny to live an even longer life. With the option, I would have preferred for him to die peacefully in his sleep. I wasn't there for him when he passed and I'm conflicted about that. It was not an easy passing so I'm relieved that I didn't see it, but still firmly believe I should have been there with him. But even without me there to say goodbye and tell him how much I love him for one final time, he knew he was loved and that he will live on in my heart forever.

I had to take Manny's barn buddy MO to the other pasture while Manny was being placed in his final resting place but on the way, MO led me over to were Manny lay in his stall so he could touch him with his nose and smell him and assure himself that Manny was already crossing over the bridge to his next life where he will be a colt again and enjoy vast fields of clover and be with old friends - like Sun Dance, who passed two years ago, and his previous owners' beagle, Impish, who used to hang out in the barn and beg for cat food.

The blog title comes from Manny's harness racing days. One of his previous owners came to visit him and told us that Manny always liked to come from behind and pass everyone. Manny wore earplugs when he raced and his former owner told us that popping Manny's earplugs was like stomping on the gas pedal. The announcer at Yonkers used to say "and coming from behind is THE Video Man." His former owner also told us that horses come and go but there was only one Video Man. I completely agree. I have loved and will love other horses but none have or will hold as much of my heart as my Video Man - or Mannykins, as he was nicknamed by my friend Laurie.

Some day I'll see my Video Man again. When my time comes, I know I won't want to go to any heaven where my best friends are not welcome. It will be good to see him again. Until then, I know he will be happy and safe. I miss him.