horse selfie

Alaska: A story of me…because of him

Before moving into the Washington International Horse Show for the week, I made a quick trip down to Gordonsville, Virginia to visit the beautiful rehab facility and farm that is Oak Hill. Oak Hill is owned and operated by Dr. Timothy Ober DVM (U.S.E.T. Show Jumping team vet) and his amazing team. But most importantly, Oak Hill is the home to my horse Alaska for his retirement years. Alaska turned 20 this year summer, and my visit included much celebrating and reflecting on our time together.

horse in a field

Anyone who loves an animal understands that there is a unique bond between human and animal. There is a silent language, often accompanied by looks of understanding, unsolicited displays of affection, and a certain loyalty that two humans are not capable of recreating between one another. Whether it is a dog who never leaves your side when you are home sick, or a horse that makes you question whether you are the one in charge, they make us feel whole.

kissing a horse on the nose

The joy that I felt in seeing how happy my horse is living out his retirement surrounded by breathtaking scenery, caring people, and an abundance of everything that a horse could ever dream of was all encompassing. I walked around the farm smiling from ear to ear, inhaling slowly and allowing the fresh country air to sweep me into a state of bliss.

On a quiet Sunday morning, I sat in the grass in the middle of his beautiful green paddock. I watched him move slowly and pleasantly around the field following the best grass. Every few minutes, he came over to where I sat and checked in, patted me down in search of treats, looked at me with is big warm eyes, and went back to munching. I think that anyone who passed by probably thought that I was crazy, but I never feel more at home than I do when I am near him.

horse in field with person

Alaska came into my life by accident. He came to me as a circumstance of coincidence and luck, and I never could have predicted just what luck he was bringing along with him. He was a kind and generous teacher. One that never held a mistake against me for even a nanosecond and who rewarded me generously for my growth and development. As a rider and horseperson, I was better for having him in my life.

horse going over a jumprider hugging a horse

 

He spurred my interest in horse care and management. Growing up a barn rat, I spent as much time with the horses and in the barn as I could. But with Alaska, my time in the barn became more focused. I wanted to learn to care for him in the best ways. I stalked vets, farriers, chiropractors and more, listening, trying to see what they were seeing. and feel what they felt. I became more in tune to the subtleties of communication between animal and human.

close up of a horse's eye

And in the meantime, Alaska did his thing. He taught, he was patient, and he brought happiness and purpose to my life. And so, it was only appropriate that he played a leading role in shining a light on what was to become the most trying time of my young life.

At 17 years old, thinking that I had life nearly figured out, my world came crashing down. Alaska was so gentle and kind that to fall off of him was an embarrassment in itself. At the time, I had never had the pleasure of falling from the 18.2 hand equine’s back. So when I lost my balance and struggled to come off as gently as possible, I found myself in a special kind of pain. Along with a bruised ego, I had fractured a couple of ribs. Broken ribs require x-ray.

From Alaska’s back to x-rays and CAT Scans and blood work and PET Scans. A tumor had been growing inside my chest. Did he know? My parents were convinced that his wisdom extended into the supernatural. To them, he saved my life. All that I know is that it happened. I fell off of him for the first time during our partnership, and I fell in such a way that a chest x-ray was required, and a chest x-ray got the ball rolling that led to a diagnoses of Stage 3 Lymphoma.

person kissing a horse on the nose

I don’t know if he was an agent of fate. I don’t know if he was brought to my life for this reason. But as I sat on the grassy hill, watching him make his way slowly across the field in my direction, I didn’t care. I am not here without him; I am not me without him.

Cancer is terrifying. Everything in your life turns backwards, upside down and inside out. We all go through challenges in life, and we all handle these challenges to the best of our ability. But Alaska made it easy. He remained a constant source of light, love and happiness. While some people looked at me with sadness or  fear and struggled to find things to say that did not need to be said, Alaska looked at me the same. If possible, he was maybe kinder and gentler than ever. He sustained me. He rescued me from dark places, he gave me consistency, hope and peace.

horse wearing a birthday hat

As I sit here today, 8 years of remission under my belt, I am so grateful to see him living the life that he deserves. We celebrated his 20th birthday with a birthday bag filled with 20 lbs of carrots. I think he is in the prime of his life. He spends his days surrounded by beauty, perhaps the same beauty that he brought to my life. The beauty of waking up each day and looking forward to what life has in store for you. The beauty of appreciating each day for what it brings and not wanting for more. The beauty of knowing that no matter where you go or how you get there, you are lucky enough to be here in the first place. And the beauty in knowing that we found each other, and the rest just is.

horse selfie

“We found each other, and the rest just is.”

 

Comments
  • Nicole Lakin Elizabeth Raudat says:

    Truly amazing… You are blessed,
    What a fantastic amazing connection!

  • Nicole Lakin Cara says:

    what a beautiful and fulfilling share. Thank you for telling your and Alaskas story. I wish you both love and longevity with peace and health. Thanks again.

  • Nicole Lakin Debi Gallagher says:

    Thank you so much for sharing your experiences, both good and bad. Alaska is truly an AMAZING horse. I honestly believe that things in life happen for a reason. Therefore I feel Alaska didn’t come to you ” by accident ” , there was a GOD given gift that was spiritually maneuvered. You were put together on purpose. Please, I am not a Bible thumper, your story moved me so much.
    It’s wonderful howu have gained so much from Alaska. I wish you both many more years of splendid companionship and continued remission, excellent health in general and happiness.

  • Nicole Lakin Jill says:

    i agree w what everyone says- especially Debi Gallagher 🙂

  • Nicole Lakin Denna says:

    Your story of your relationship to & with Alaska resonates with me so much. I am in full belief he saved your life w/the amazing intuitive nature these magnificent animals have. God bless you & the angel Alaska, sent to you as a once in a lifetime gift! Thank you so much for sharing. Denna

  • Nicole Lakin Antje Muente says:

    Hi.
    I teared up reading this – the love to horses keep people sane and wanting to move on. I dont have a specific horse to name but I thank God to help my dad to geth through Leukemia and I thank the horses for him wanting to return to them.
    He is now 9 years in remission; 66 and going strong- added a few GP ribbons to the list and most importantly; saw me getting married (and got to pick the dress) and being an awesome grandfather!!
    I am so happy for you and your horse- seems like you have found your >>everything<< in him.
    Best wishes to you and Alaska from Germany!!
    Antje

  • Nicole Lakin Dottie Sullivan says:

    Yes, I believe Alaska knew! Animals sense things. Such a beautiful story. I’ll keep you in my prayers!

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