I have known quite a few horses in my 33 years of being around them, but have only known two that had a heart like a human. One is still with us and one has crossed over the Rainbow Bridge.

When we came to Hope for Horses we had one specific horse in mind. However, we came home with Socks instead. I had seen her on the web site, but could not appreciate how elegant and truly regal she was until I saw her in person. She was so beautiful. I had intentions of her being my horse; however she was unable to do what I wanted her to do because of a previous injury.

I had started to bring her back to Hope for Horses when my son rode her. My son does not ride like I do and loved the fact she could rack all day. I had her re-shod for that purpose. He was in heaven riding her and most of the time rode her without a saddle. He could ride her with a halter and lead rope or in a hackamore, she needed no bit. Socks taught him how to ride without him ever having had formal lessons. He could hose her off after riding simply by laying the lead rope on the ground, something I had never been able to do.

Socks had the sweetest nature. She would nicker when my son approached and would promptly turn around for a serious butt scratch. She was 16 hands tall and because of her stature appeared larger.

My son is 12 and not tall for his age, however I never worried, she loved him so much. One day the great story had a horrible twist put into play. We noticed that Socks was favoring her right rear leg very badly.

We saw there was a small amount of swelling and that her slide shoe had been pulled off. It was braced and wrapped. The next day she was walking better, but was still in tremendous pain. We took her to the vet. Upon arrival and his first look, I knew it was bad. He was actually working with another horse, but I saw the look.

He immediately gave her pain meds and then took the x-rays. I will not go into detail except to say that it was irreparable. My son had been at a soccer game, but was brought to the hospital as soon as I called. Socks was laid to rest with my son and all the people she knew loved her, right there with her. It was the hardest thing I have ever done. I have lost before, but this was tough. She was loved and still very sorely missed. She will always have a special place in my heart and I know she will always be my son's special girl.