With much sadness, my sweet Mason was laid to rest today where he was retired at beautiful God's Ranch in Bent, New Mexico. He was found in the pasture this morning, peacefully laying down with no sign of discomfort. My heart is broken, but a more beautiful place for him there could not be.

Mason taught me so much at a time that horses were beginning to consume my life. Bred to be a racehorse, but showing up as an unexpected twin at beautiful Horse Haven Ranch in Anderson Valley, he became mine at 11 months old, thanks to my best bud ever, Buffy Paula. I needed a thoroughbred race horse like a hole in the head, but I couldn't resist him. Due to an early in life hock injury, Mason was not destined to be a riding horse, but he really didn't have a clue that he was compromised and was happy to be part of any gathering of horses and people. The move to New Mexico was great for him - big flat pastures with turnout 24/7 and good pals for him to hang with all the time. Not a care in his world, just lots of love and the best care I could give him....all well deserved, for sure.

Mason's retirement two years ago, to Nancy and Ed's at God's Ranch, was tough as I wouldn't see his sweet face everyday, but the warmer winters were better for his arthritis and his overall comfort. I visited him just about every month, always thinking that maybe I should bring him home, but when I saw him there......no way!! I have a great place, but where he was was horse heaven, no doubt about it. Green grass in a lovely protected canyon with a nice gang to pal around with and Nancy and Ed's watchful eyes, always keeping Mason and the other horses safe.

Mason was just getting close to turning 16. Still young, but being a twin, perhaps there was a weakness in him that compromised him somewhat. That he was found this morning, laying peacefully, helps me to deal with losing him. He's now buried in the pasture with his pals who will be grazing around him, keeping him company, just like every other day. Not a bad life for a race horse!!!

Rest in peace, my sweet Mason!!

"I was thrilled to board my horses at God's Ranch. There are very few places from a horse's perspective they would choose for themselves. God's Ranch offers a herd setting with plenty of lush green grass to eat and mineral rich mountain stream water running through each pasture. The weather year round is never too extreme. Truly a horse haven! I hated taking them away when we moved."

Terrie