Well, crap

Just found out that the only relative in my extended family that ever understood the horse thing passed away last night.  She'd been unwell for a while - diagnosed with a brain tumor a few years ago, which went into remission but was coming back as of last year - and the gallbladder surgery she had about two weeks ago was evidently too much for her.

I would have liked to have her come up and meet my hooved beasties, but never did get that done due to her health.  It's only fair - she let me meet hers, a very long time ago.

No date on this one, but I'm guessing 1990?

1992

Somewhere, I've still got the books and the Breyers she passed on to me when she decided she'd outgrown them.  Including the one I figure I'm destined to keep: I sold it at one used bookstore, didn't see it for a couple of years, and then managed to buy the exact same copy at a different used bookstore.

So... yeah.  Hug your horsey mentors, y'all.  Life is short.