The Good Spirits Float On

(Content warning, animal death)

You are a literal unicorn: So unique and so perfect that your being in this world is pure magic. — Ghost, who was my unicorn

---

Here’s What’s Happening At Good Spirits Farm

Long-time readers may know that this farm gets its name from the two grey horses who were the reason I bought the farm in the first place. Nearly 10 years ago, I bought a giant white horse, directly off the race track sight unseen (you truly can buy ANYTHING off the internet!). At the time, I was living in a house on a one-acre lot, so we found a place to board him and I began the journey of turning Ghost from racehorse to riding horse.

Ghost had raced an astonishing 52 times (many race only a handful before their bodies break down). Like any creature—or human—that has had a hard life, he had a few bruises and some baggage. But what he also had was heart. He loved to compete and was as brave and bold as the day was long.

And then, about seven years ago, he developed a neurological disease which basically turned him from a funny, quirky boy into a nightmare, out-of-control demon. We tried ALL of the existing treatments, and we were able to knock the disease back (it’s caused by a protozoa carried by possums). But even on the drugs that cost over $1,000 per month, he was never truly the same. Some days the lights were on, and someone was home. Some days, he saw imaginary monsters and would put himself—and others—in danger trying to get away from them. The unpredictability meant he was no longer safe to ride, and so he became a pet.

At the same time, I’d connected online with the woman who owned Ghost’s brother, Gin. Gin had developed arthritis, making him unsuitable for his current owner’s high-level jumping goals. She asked if I’d like to take him on—as I had no real aspirations beyond trotting a few small jumps here and there. I, wishing for just one more ride on my Ghost and thinking this was the next best thing, jumped at the chance.

A matching set!

At the same time, Ghost was struggling in our boarding barn situation. The routine changed daily, with different people coming to feed, and the changes unsettled him. A big part of why I wanted to buy my farm was because I wanted to give him room to roam and be a horse 24-7. I own my farm because of Ghost. Bringing him home and seeing two grey horses out my bedroom window, fulfilling all my 9-year-old kid dreams, was one of the best days of my life.

Gin and Ghost are, of course, two kinds of spirits. Which is where Good Spirits Farm comes from.

Here on the farm, I’ve kept Ghost stable for 7ish years, but I’ve always known his time on this planet was finite. He had several other significant health issues—a breathing issue and a metabolic condition that essentially made his muscles hurt all the time—and I’ve known for a few years that, while he loved eating grass and rolling in the mud, he was not truly thriving.

But: He was Gin’s best friend. The two were inseparable from the moment Gin unloaded off the trailer. (I suspect they may even have recognized each other from the breeding farm, where they would have overlapped by a few months before Ghost was sold at auction.) Whatever mischief they were getting into, they were always doing it together. And so, I kept Ghost alive for Gin.

When Gin’s old owner offered to take Gin back to her farm, I knew it was time to let Ghost’s body finally rest. I knew I didn’t want to wait until the day when he could not get up on his own—or he saw demons and ran through the fence and straight into traffic. It would be better if he could have his last day be a good one, even if it broke my heart to say goodbye.

And so, last Wednesday, a trailer came and picked Gin up for the ride home to Pennsylvania. Gin walked right on, like the sweet, willing boy he’s always been. A vet, meanwhile, was sedating Ghost, knowing his brother’s departure would send him into a panic. I got a few minutes to say my goodbyes while Ghost was still semi-lucid. And then both of my good spirits were gone. I’ll never see this view out my back window again, and this farm certainly doesn’t feel the same without its namesakes.

Gin has settled right back to his old life in Pennsylvania, and I’ve been assured he’s happy, healthy, and enjoying making new horse friends. I miss Ghost and his annoying habit of bonking you with his big head. I am grateful that his last day was 80 degrees and sunny, and that he spent as many years just living his life eating grass in a field (8) as he spent bouncing from track to track, battling it out at a full gallop. I hope he knew how loved he was.

---

Here’s What I Loved This Week

I squealed when this adorable little hat from my friend (and author) Kelli Donley Williams showed up. I can’t wait for our little pumpkin to try it on! Fall babies mean being pregnant in August, but I’m pretty sure this hat makes up for all the suffering.