As some of you know, my daughter is an avid horsewoman, and has three.
For the last month or two she's been looking to buy a new horse, this one will be primarily for her daughter..
Being just 15, Sarah is a fairly novice rider, so this new addition to their group must be a sound, reliable and calm horse above all.
They had to decline one they had on trial recently - his temperment just wasnt dependable enough.

A new possibility has surfaced, and this palomino mare would be a perfect fit in every way, has all the qualties they are looking for.
She's been familiar with the owner and her horse for a number of years now. The two women arent personal friends however... just acquaintances who know each other via the riding club connections they share.

The owner is wanting to rehome her mare only, not sell.. to the right person only of course. She naturally is wanting to feel confident her horse will receive excellent care and a permanent home. Colleen could provide this fully, and is well known for her dedication and commitment.

The problem is - this poor woman is dying. She apparently has pancreatic cancer, and is facing a very poor prognosis.. Thats the reason her beloved horse must find a new home. It's a real tragedy.. she is only in her early fifties.

Because of these terrible circumstances, Colleen is very torn and conflicted about this prospect. She wonders if it would be bad karma....
Every time she saw this horse... would she picture the former owner on her?
Would she feel as though she was 'capitalizing" on the misfortune of this lady? Would others think this?
Its not a matter of money.. of "free"... since they are very willing to purchase a horse, but rather that this horse is so ideal a candidate.

I understand her concerns fully, and why she has them.

On the other side of the coin, this woman knows that Colleen would provide her beloved horse with excellent care, and in theory would be just what she had in mind That would offer reassurance and peace of mind to her, I'd say.

It's a tough call... a sensitive issue to say the least. Both her husband and daugther feel it wouldnt hurt to just follow-up on this.. see where it leads.
Might not end in a placement at all - they'd all have to agree... and the woman owner makes the final decision of course on the home she chooses.

I just was curious what your thoughts might be on this idea... receiving a beloved pet under these circumstances?

Oh just the opposite Fran... every time she sees this beauty... she should think of how happy the owner is in Heaven watching her baby run and play and thrive with her daughter and her love and care. AND, this dear woman would be able to, if it must be, go knowing that her baby is safe and secure and well-loved!!!

GOOD KARMA!!!!!!!!!

I agree it would be good karma. If this lady decides to place the horse with your daughter it would be because she felt that it is the best place for the horse. Yes, your daughter would be getting a horse, but the lady giving it would be getting a greater gift - peace of mind that her beloved horse has a home, is being taken care of and is loved.

I think it's good Karma actually and I do pretty much believe in Karma.. reason being it would be good is this: poor woman is ill and dying and your daughter is young and vibrant.. and could love and care for this horse with all the energy that a young person has... seems like a good fit for me and truly good Karma for the horse to be rehomed with such a person as your daughter. It's like the Universe says "it's a good fit." Just my 2cents!

btw I'm a non practicing Catholic and could come up with a bunch of other reasons like your daughter is doing a good thing for someone who can no longer carry out her duties towards her horse in terms of care and maintenance.

No question Fran..I agree with the others...it
really is good karma...
The relief and peace of mind this poor lady will feel when she knows
that her horse is going to a good home, will be cared
for perfectly by your daughter and granddaughter, is worth it's weight
in gold.

I see nothing but good here, Fran...I can't imagine how "desperate"
this dear person must be feeling in settleing her affairs....your daughter
would be doing a good deed by accepting this "gift".

Hugs,
Joan

I don't know if is bad karma or not. The word is tossed around alot with little understanding of its meaning. What it sounds like to me is Providence. It may be a way of bringing some good out of apparent tragedy. Just my two cents.

If I were in this woman's shoes the stress and worry about my beloved horse being well loved and cared for would be as bad as the disease. Tell your daughter the peace of mind this woman would get is a gift beyond anything she can imagine. Every time she looks at this horse her heart should feel peace knowing she made things easier for this woman. Things happen for a reason, this is a blessing for all concerned.

Fran, I think Colleen should put herself in this woman's place. I think she would want to be sure that her beloved horse would be in good hands - something far more important than money. She would want to know that he will be as loved and cherished after she is gone as he is now. I think she is being offered a great gift and I hope that when she sees her daughter ride, she will think only of the peace of mind she gave this woman.

I agree with everyone else.
The gift in life would the peace of mind that this woman would receive knowing her beloved horse is in excellent care.
Good Karma.

Thanks very much ladies for your input on this topic. I believe your take on this is bang-on correct. A positive slant that is very true, really.

Colleen is rattled and un-nerved by this sad news about this lady- she had no idea she'd been ill. Horse and rider are so "connected" in her mind... as one almost. This aspect seemed to trouble her.
She feels strange also with the idea of such a valuable "gift" from a person she doesnt really know well. ( part of the "bad karma" thought she had.

For this lady... money does not enter in the equation. So completely understandable. Horses change hands - are bought and sold quite regularly.
She wants to avoid this....her Juliette is priceless to her. Peace of mind is priceless too, as you've mentioned. That is what she is wanting above all -a loving new home that she can know will be a permanent one.

I'll be seeing Colleen later today... we will discuss it a bit further, and I can offer her reassurance that this is a good thing all round - cover some of great points you've made.
This horse is beautiful, healthy and sound - very desirable in every way. I'm sure there will be a number of candidates for this dear lady to choose from in placing her beloved girl.
If Colleen decides to pursue this prospect, and if by chance is selected... I was thinking she might consider offering to donate to one of the many horse rescue organizations. They do great work in the equestarian field...more good could come from a terrible set of circumstances.
My heart and thoughts really go out to this poor lady...cant imagine how devastating all of this is to assimilate and deal with.

Thanks again for your feedback... really appreciate your thoughts.