We bought Solomon in November of 2002. The following January my husband was deployed to Iraq. Solomon was my life line for the 18 months he was gone. He gave me something to focus on and got me though some of my loneliest days.

When Solomon came to Horsehaven he was for the most part an untrained horse. Over the next three years Solange and I turned him into the perfect horse. We put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into him and in return we were rewarded greatly.

The painting you see at the header of this page is a painting my husband had done of Solomon in Iraq. It makes me smile to think Solomon's painting had journeyed across Iraq and half-way around the world to come home to me. I will treasure his painting forever.

Solomon loved to trail ride; I remember racing along the trail and Solomon getting angry with the other horses if they were in front. One time we had taken him off-trail and went up and down a very steep hill. I was a little scared but Solomon did not falter, he did whatever I asked him to do and did it safely.

Solomon loved the hunt just as much as trail riding. Once a horse near-by threw his rider when he tried to mount and ran right up to Solomon. I was afraid Solomon would panic but he didn't - he just calmly stood their and sniffed the other horse as if to say; hey, how’s it going? For the rest of the day he did whatever I asked of him - I was so proud of him.

When I became pregnant I started co-owning Solomon with Kathy. Solomon was the only horse Kathy and I ever rode. We always said he was the perfect horse and he really was. You never had to worry about what was around that bend or up that hill because Solomon never spooked, he was a calm and solid horse. We both loved him very much.

I always assumed Solomon would be here until he was old and grey. I thought once he retired from the hunt we could use him as a lesson horse and then on to retirement and he could live out his days in the pasture.

Solomon taught me many lessons in the brief time I had him; he taught me how to ride, he taught me how to focus, he taught we how to fall and he taught me how to laugh at myself. But the most important lesson he taught me was to cherish every moment we have with a loved one, because in the end you never know how much time you have together.

So long Solomon,
You will be forever in our hearts,
And will be greatly missed!!

I want to thank Kathy and Solange for taking such good care of him. I know he was happy at Horsehaven. Also thanks to all of you who opened your hearts to him, he was a better horse because of it. I know I will not be the only one to miss Solomon.

The poem below was done by Kathy and says exactly how we felt about Solomon.

Solomon - a great horse and wonderful companion
Solomon wrapped up in his blanket.	Solomon Chirstmas 2003.	Tawnia and Solomon at the hunt with Solange.
Solomon and Tawnia together.	Solomon going out for a trail ride.	Solomon training with Solange.
Solomon and Tawnia at the lake.	Solly-Mon!.	Solomon painting from Iraq.