Jeff and Kathi,

I am so sorry for your loss. I'm at a loss for words. We love you guys.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjespGPhoMw

This was part of what I sent to Jeff and Kathi...

I am so, so sorry. I am so sad that I won't get to ride Rain again--she and I really did pretty much have an understanding, and I am a way better rider for the lessons she taught me. I will miss her every time I am out in the mare field, and we will all miss her when it gets to be lesson time again. Look what she did: I sang, "You are My Sunshine" to her when I'd totally lost my confidence with horses (and it worked), JoAnn started riding Walking Horses with her, and my God, PAULA AND CAROLE GOT ON A HORSE AND RODE!!!! Such a beautiful girl--she knew she was so loved.

Thank you for sharing Rain with all of us, and know how much we loved her, too. We share your grief. Godspeed her sweet, gentle soul.

Jeff and Kathi, I am so very, very sorry. She was so beautiful. I don't have the words right now. I can hardly breathe thinking about her.
God Bless, Rain.

You Are My Sunshine - Anne Murray

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FafLnokzeNo

Your Are My Sunshine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSbkDGayzhw

Polly, Carole and Paula and everyone that visits Raindance on regular basis, I know how you must be feeling, you were so much closer to Rain. I know how you must feel at loosing her.


http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/can ... g&gi=wcfam


Darlene already has a link for Windchill's family.

Dear Jeff and Kathi - I don't have the words to explain how my heart aches for you both - I never had the privilege to touch Rain but she sure touched my heart - From what I saw of her online she seemed so gentle and so patient and I'm sure those who were close to her will miss her so much ! Again I am so sorry !! Sincerely Helen L

RAIN deserves her own candle site. Rain was an absolutely beautiful horse. She is on the cover of our Raindance Calendar 2nd from the left. My heart is aching for Jeff & Kathi and all those who knew Rain so well.
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/can ... ng&gi=RAIN

I'll add it to the Candle Thread.

I am not sure what to say. I am really at a loss for words. I am sorry for your pain and loss. What happened to Rain? She was still young.
Ann

Not again. What has happend and how did you find out this news?? I am not getting updates from this forum and so I am not aware of what is happening. Where do I go to see this?? I just saw the tribute to Rain on the Raindance site but I have no idea what happpened.

Liana

Here are all the candle links again...they are under Candles For WindChill's Family
Post subject: Candles For WindChill's Family Posted: Mon Dec 15, 2008 7:27 am



There's a new candle lit for Big Annie. I put everything on this one thread so it's easier to find. I also started a new candle For WindChill's Family.

NEW-For Big ANNIE http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/can ... g&gi=Annie
NEW-For WindChill's Family http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/can ... g&gi=wcfam
For Jordan http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/can ... eng&gi=JLT

WindChill http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/can ... g&gi=windc
Issy http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/can ... ng&gi=issy
Rowdy http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/can ... ng&gi=rowd
Fear http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/can ... ng&gi=fear
Buttercup http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/can ... g&gi=Buttr
Barbaro http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/can ... g&gi=barba

as requested by Eilene for Captain & Val (Feb 09) http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/can ... g&gi=capva
Velvet- http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/can ... g&gi=velve

For Ann & Jody- a link for Natalie Jane who will have surgery April 6, 2009 -WindChill's Family is praying for all of you.
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/can ... g&gi=NataJ

March 18, 2009 RAIN http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/can ... ng&gi=RAIN

Thank you, Darlene for putting the candle sites all together like that. It's very helpful when you are looking for a particular one.

Jeff and Kathi - please know how all of our hearts just ache for you both. I too am at a loss for words at how sudden this was for your precious Rain. Jeff, your post was again, very beautiful and right from your broken heart. I am so very sorry. You had a very special bond with her and I am sure she loved you also.

My love to you all who knew what a special lady she was. May she rest in peace as she joins our beloved Windchill, Baby Issy and Big Annie....

Judi ~

Sometime on the 18th Rain rolled to close to a fence line, she rolled under the fence and got cast on one of the railroad tie fence posts and couldnt roll back over or stand up. We were at work and no one was home to roll her off the post. Rather then lay and wait for us, she struggled and when I came home from work I found her dead.
A stupid freak accident. I am still in shock and cant believe it happened.

That is pretty tough Kathi. I have heard of horses getting cast. I haven't ever seen it happen. I hate that you had to come home to find that. {{{{hugs}}}
Ann

I'm so, so sorry. I saw this yesterday and didn't post because I thought I'd think of the right words to say, but there are none, only tears.

Kathi, I am so sorry that you had to come home and find her like that. My heart goes out to you and Jeff. {{{{hugs}}}}. My heart is aching.

(((HUGS))) and prayers to you, Kathi and Jeff, over the loss of Rain. I hold you both in prayer..Judy Hedgecock

Jeff & Kathi, I'm so sorry for such a heartbreaking loss of your beautiful Rain. I wish I had been able to meet and know her, but from your posting, Jeff, I feel I do know a little of what a special horse she was to you. May all your wonderful memories of her help you in your time of grief.

Another tragic to the Raindance Farm... My heart and prayers go out to Jeff and Kathi of the passing of Rain... Such a terrible accident for the horse that named the farm... I will think of you Rain today and the days to come as the rain is falling... She will be missed by all...

Thinking of you Jeff and Kathi..
Vicki K.

Jeff and Kathi - I am so sorry for the loss of Rain.

Carolyn

How terrible for your guys again. I can't stop thinking about that poor horse and what she went through. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Liana

So very sorry to hear the news about Rain. What a terrible thing to come home to. Our deepest condolences to you and Jeff and the family.

I too, don't know what to say - I'm sorry seems so inadequate. But I don't know what else to say. I'll be praying for you guys

Kathi and Jeff,
So very, very sad for you both. Inconceivable that another major loss has happened again.

Admiring your strength and courage,
Mary P.
Arizona

Goodnight beautiful Rain


I Will Remember You

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQtAOuBjysc

Jeff and Kathi -

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Rain. You are in my thoughts and prayers. My heart aches with yours.

Kris

Jeff, Kathi - what can we say? I give thanks for this lovely creature and for the joy that she gave you. Hugs and prayers.

Colleen

Remember Carole our first lesson on Rain and how we felt that first time and everytime after that.

Rain is incredible as a teaching horse. She is so kind, patient, nonjudgmental, big, powerful, and loving. WOW she is a great horse for a Tennessee Walker.
Kathi got on her afterwards and Gramma Carole and I got to see how beautiful she is with the special stride and what a magnificent, stunning, horse she is under her tutelage. How boring it must be to have us ride her compared to when Kathi challenges her. WOW!!!

This is still my favorite photo of Rain, it just says it all.
Kathi

She is beautiful Kathi, Rain waiting patiently.

I am very sorry for your loss. Hugs to you both.

Gary and I happened to be at Raindance when Rain's tragedy was discovered, and Paula and Carole arrived to brush horses a bit later. While Jeff and Kathi were in the mare field, we saw a very large, soaring bird above us.

When I lost my first G.R. Duncan, an eagle flew along with my car as I drove home, trying to stay on the road through my sobs. I somehow felt comforted by it, and later relating the story to the Indian Ed teacher at school, I was told that eagles carry the souls of our loved ones to heaven.

I'd hoped this also was an eagle, but it was speckled brown and white. I could not figure out what kind of huge hawk it was. Yesterday I saw large birds on the ice of our lake, and looking through the spotting scope, I saw a mature eagle with 3 immature eagles. I instantly knew what we'd seen in the skies above Raindance. It was an immature eagle that took Rain's spirit to heaven.

We were glad to help Kathi and Jeff in whatever inadequate ways we could, and I again am comforted by the eagle's journey. Godspeed.

Oh Polly....that's wonderful. It's a nice vision to add some peace.

I was looking at the BBQ thread THE BBQ PICTURES from Kathi/Jeri/Ann/Deb There are pictures with Rain in them and Deb has a YouTube video posted and Rain is in the video.

Polly your story about the eagle is beautiful and as you were sobbing then, I am now.

Beautiful Rain.

I found a picture of Jeff & Rain, on the Raindance site I will send through email.

From what I've heard and looking at here, Rain was absolutely an incredible being...more than a "just a horse," she was a gift and a wonderful friend. She was very fortunate to have had Jeff and Kathi as her caregivers and friends. We all know how much Rain was loved while she was with Jeff and Kathi. It's sad when a living being so loved has to slip away but it's simply a door to new forever world....the way this world was originally meant to be. Polly, the story that you wrote was a beautiful visual of a peaceful transition. Thank you for sharing that. Jeff and Kathi, we send our love to both of you.

I just read this today but heard about it earlier, Jeff and Kathi I just don't have the right words right now just tears again. My heart aches with pain for your loss and all you have been through this past year. Rain was a very beautiful horse and what a tragic way to pass away. She is now with our beloved Windchill, Issy, Jordan, Annie and all the other furbies that all of have lost over this past year. Polly I have heard that story before from my grandma who was a blackfoot indian, the day she passed away there was an eagle soaring over the skies. Rain will be missed by all and especially the ones who have had close contact with her. God's love to all of you.

hugs,
joyce

Just a Horse - Poem

There You'll Be - Song by Faith Hill

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xroPE6tFM08

Amara, what a very beautiful tribute to Rain. You are a very special young woman, with maturity and understanding beyond your years. We enjoyed our time with Rain, didn't we? And the day Callie rode double with you was so much fun to watch. I know Rain loved it as much as both of you did.

And I thought I was the only one who thought of her today in the rain at Raindance...

Godspeed.

I am just so sad over this I haven't known what to write. Jeff and Kathi you are in my prayers, and I am so sorry for your loss.

Amara what a lovely tribute to Rain, I am crying the whole time I am reading your words. I know how hard this is for you and all the others that spend their time at Raindance, not seeing her anymore. I had the opportunity to meet Rain just once and now I never get to see her again.

I never thought about the word rain, I say it so much, living here in Florida. Sunday evening and into Monday afternoon, that is all it did was rain. That's all I thought about was Rain. When I lost my cat and dog many years ago, all it did was rain after I buried them. My mother said the heavens are crying tears for Tippy and Sam.

On the subject of the eagle, I have never read up much on the Native Americans and their spiritual beliefs, but I receive the Bradford Exchange catalogs and all the Indian plates, pictures, there are always, either the Wolf, Owl, Eagle and Buffalo in their pictures, so I know there is this spirtual connection there, not sure what each animals represents to the Native Americans.

Kathi and Jeff, I am so very sorry for your loss. Unfortunately in the horse world, stuff will happen. I believe that a horse could get themselves in trouble in a padded room. Taylor cast himself in his stall when he was about 7 or 8 months old. He was rolling in his stall and got a little over zealous(which he does about everything-that boy just loves life-and everything about it) and flipped himself over and got his legs stuck against the wall and couldn't push himself back away from the wall to get up. Fortunately, my girlfriend came out to feed them and found him but it took her and her husband a long time to get him up. And when he did get up, he was wobbly for a while. Shortly after that, she called me up to tell me that the farm around the corner from her called her to say that their thoroughbred mare had gotten cast in her stall and they wanted help getting her back up. She was in a foaling stall as she had just given birth a week before. When they got the mare back up, she was so wobbly that she lurched out of her stall, tripped and crashed into the wall across the aisleway and dropped dead when she hit her head. The vet said that she broke her neck and died instantly. They had to hand raise the foal and that worked out well but devastating just the same.
For anyone who doesn't understand what happens when a horse gets cast, horses can't lay down for long periods of time (unless they are starving horses-less weight) because their bodies are so top heavy that their internal organs get crushed under their weight. This is why horses sleep standing up. Most horses will only lay down about 20-45 minutes a day. They do this to rest their legs only. The rest of their bodies get rested while they sleep standing up.

There is no way that anyone can predict what kind of trouble a horse can get in. I've been doing this horse thing since I was 12 years old and I'm 40 something now and still shake my head when I see some of the stuff my gang gets into.

God bless Rain and Jeff and Kathi and all the members of Raindance Farms (especially the groomin' crew that had their first wonderful rides on a phenomenal horse!)

Cindy

Here I sit shaking my head. I am truely sorry that Rain left. I loved watching Amara ride her. She is the horse that actually showed me what a rack (not sure if I spelled that correct) was. She also showed me what determination she had. If she decided she was done over to the gait she went. The best was when she would go in circles and look over to the gait to see if you Kathi were watching. If you were she would keep going, if you were not looking over to the gait she went.

Thank you Jeff and Kathi for sharing her with us.

Cindy thanks for your post, it makes us newbies understand more. Kathi explained and I read up on casting. It is just a shock to us, I know accidents happen and you just don't know what a horse may get into. I always think of horses being sick or old, and not the accident part of having horses.

In my head I understand, but it stll hurts my heart so much. As with any animal you have, I know you have that day when it is time to let them go, even though it breaks your heart. Just this being so sudden with Rain and Kathi & Jeff have had so much heartache this past year, you want to say enought is enough.

amen!

Ditto! How much is one family supposed to take??? I am so sorry for the loss of Rain, on top of all the other sad events of the past year for you. But, Jeff and Kathi, you have each other, and the rest of your herd, the four-legged and the two-legged ones who love you. May God bless you and give you strength.

Kathy

I am learning Photobucket. I wanted to put pictures in this thread, but didn't know how to do photobucket at the time.

As I read everyones words I just am in shock over yet again another loss at Raindance. Amara, your words are simply beautiful and you should write a book on your experiences.
I had never heard the term casting before but after reading I learned that I had witnessed this happen only a few weeks ago at the rescue with one of the older horses in the shelter. She rolled and got pinned up against the shelter wall. I was in the office at the time and the sound and panic was horrific. Luckily there was several people there at the time and she was righted without injury. But I can see how it can happen.
Just not understand WHY....
Rain was so very beautiful and so very special. I LOVE the photo of Jeff riding bareback. What beautiful memories.
((((HUGS)))) To everyone that was touched by Rain.
Deb

I know Jeri these magnificant beautiful animals are very fragile. I have heard of horses running around and playing in the pasture breaking their legs (like Wendy on ABR, who lost Jag on the same day, this was her dream horse), I never heard of casting before, I know they roll around, I didn't think they could get themselves in so much trouble over it.

I still think of more injuries happening on the racetrack. I have seen race horses inujure themselves even before they get on the track, something spooks them, they rear up and hit their heads, get a leg stuck in between the railings.

I guess they can get themselves into all kind of trouble too!! It just never occurred to me, though. I always think of old age, or a sickeness. Casting in a stall can be bad too!!

Then there is laminitis and colic, too!!

Rain was a special horse, the memories will live on forever in their hearts. Just like each horse at Raindance has that special unique way about them, that stands out. It just when something is so sudden.

Gretchen Jackson said of Barbaros' death “grief is the pain we all pay for love”.

Remember Carol our 3rd lesson on Rain

Our 3rd riding lesson.
We did not ride this night. Rain did not work up a sweat. It was time for us to learn that a horse is more than just for riding. A horse is a whole being that has needs to be met. Kathi really knows how to keep us interested. We got to be with Rain up close and personal the whole time.
We brushed her. Then this little banana colored instrument with a brush and a hook was introduced to Carole and I. Carole knew what it was for. I did not. However when I was told that we were going to use it on Rain, OH MY GOD. However not poor Rain, poor me. I had to bend over, exposing my butt to the Cam and lift Rain’s huge, heavy leg to clean around the frog in her hoof. The smell was bad. Rein did beautifully like she was used to it. I fretted but proud I did it.
We learned new words like forelock, fetlock, tack, picking, frog.
Then we learned how to put on the bridle. I learned horses ears bend really well. Rein was apologized to and thanked a lot for her patience as we mixed up reins, bended ears, clanked teeth(ouch!!)(sorry!).
We learned about Rein’s teeth and where the bit sits and how big her tongue is.
We learned when Rein pushed me with her head she was trying to show dominance. It wasn’t some cute little mannerism of love. It was manipulation.
We practiced putting on the saddle and cinching it. Now we have to do it at our next lesson. In the car Carole and I laughed over who is going to ride first next week.
Rein was bored and gassy but not Carole and I, bored that is. The lesson was over before we knew it.
Carole and I agree that I am good at some things. She is good at other things. She is short and I am tall. Together we make a whole person for Kathi to teach.
We also feel WindChill is hard at work on us. He is getting us to learn about horses as a whole not some dream or using them for our own needs. He is getting us to respect a horse. She is getting us to love horses for who they really are not some movie idea.

Thankyou so much Paula, sharing Rain with us, getting to know her.

You and Carole have such wonderful memories of Rain now we have those memories too!!

Does our Lesson 3 write-up bring back memories of trying to decide if "REIN" was a him or a her

Carole - Do you remember when you made me write a letter to Rain apologizing to her. Jeff had caught me mispronouncing the WHOA word. I sent the letter to Kathi and Jeff to read to Rain but you insisted I had to read it to Rain personally. You made sure I did it before we took our lesson that day.


Kathi or Jeff can you please read this to Rain.

Dear Rain,
I must apologize for my mispronunciation of the word WHOA. As Jeff pointed out you are a Tennessee Walker not a streetwalker. I know how I would feel if someone used the other term not once or twice but several times. Being scared to death and tense is no excuse for that slip of the tongue.
I want you to know I am practicing the right pronunciation of WHOA every chance I get. Like on the Vista Star cruise today, each time the waitress poured my ice tea or ice water and I wanted her to stop, I practiced WHOA. I got an odd look but not hurting your feelings or lowering your self-esteem is more important to me.
I am sorry for stereotyping you as a him at first. Then I seem to go from one gender to another. Worst of all I keep misspelling your name.
So thank you for not taking it personal all this time. I promise to do better Rain.
Sincerely,
Paula Moore

I know Rain forgave you Paula. I get the gender thing mixed up too!! For the longest time I want to say "he" instead of "she" for Magic.

For some reason all the little foals being born I want to say isn't "she" just so precious. There have been a lot of filly's born lately.

The Rainbow Bridge For Horses

By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,
Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.
Where the friends of man and woman do run,
When their time on earth is over and done.

For here, between this world and the next,
Is a place where beloved creatures find rest.
On this golden land, they wait and they play,
Til The Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.

No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,
For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.
Their limbs are restored, their health renewed.
Their bodies have healed with strength imbued.

They trot through the grass without even a care,
Til one day they whinny and sniff at the air.
All ears prick forward, eyes sharp and alert.
Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the herd.

For just at that second, there's no room for remorse.
As they see each other...one person...one horse.
So they run to each other, these friends from long past
The time of their parting is over at last.

The sadness they felt while they were apart
Has turned to joy once more in each heart.
They nuzzle with a love that will last forever.
And then, side-by-side, they cross over...together.

Author unknown...

Kathi and Jeff, I haven't been able to get on very often lately and just heard the horriable news. Rain was a beautifull horse inside and out. She alao was a great friend to captain morgan. They were raised together for a couple years and were stuck to each others side until they were separated by owership. I was there when rain was born and it was a beautifull site. That is how she got her name actually (well her call name). I remember coming back to the farm and there stood mom(dance) right by her baby (rain) with a beautiful rainbow in the background. The most beautifull sight that you would ever see. We proceded to take rain and captain morgan to a few shows and watched them grow up together as buds. I still remember the day Jeff showed up at the farm to look at rain to purchase her. Jeff found a feather in the barn on the hill and my son was there. Jeff offered to make a feather pen out of the feather for Michael. To this day Michael still has that feather pen. Thanks Jeff! Anyways Rain was a beautifull horse and always will be remembered forever! Sorry for your loss and take care of yourself

Stacy this brings tears to my eyes, thanks for the these Rain memories, how perfect a rainbow in the background.

Does anyone have a picture of Rain as a foal?

Stacy thank you for sharing that very personal special time with us.
Rain obviously left many hoofprints for many people.

Eilene, I've printed the poem, thank you..
Deb

Remember the lesson Gramma Carole, when Rain was responsible for you and I becoming Miste's personal care team. Our lives were already so enriched by Rain but much more was added when Miste came into our lives and into our hearts


Starting over lesson:
After 2 weeks of “rain”, (the wet kind), interfering with our lessons, Carole and I were able to ride again.
Carole and I showed off our new designer t-shirts(to go with the designer helmets, jeans, boots, gloves etc.) Our t-shirts had a picture of a horse and the words:
“If you think I’m a quiet person
It’s because we’re not talking about horses!
(everything else is so boring)”
It was a beautiful day except for the loud chainsaw that kept spooking Rain. Carole and I saw what a powerful horse Rain can be when spooked. While brushing her in the barn, we tried to calm Rain and ourselves by belting out at least 7 or more verses of You Are My Sunshine. Polly came to our rescue. Rain was put in a stall to have a chance to calm down and Kathi brought out Miste for us to brush. Carole and I felt bad that we were not going to ride Rain but happy to brush Miste. We brushed her for the longest time.
Then Kathi tells us she is ready for our lesson. Carole and I look at each other. Kathi asks who is riding first. Carole and I look at each other again. I know Kathi just waits for this look all the time and quietly laughs inside. Carole points to me. Knowing that Rain has been a “little stinker” to put it mildly and my imagination running wild, I ask Kathi if Rain was put in the stall for punishment and to see that Miste was getting all our attention instead of her. Kathi said no, it was all done to get Carole and me to relax. We needed time to get ourselves back together and our nerves under control. It worked. Miste did a great job of helping us to refocus and get our confidence level back up.
RAIN WAS PERFECT. IT WAS A GREAT LESSON. While driving home, if the police had stopped Carole and I, they would have thought we were HIGH on something.
Carole and I learned
1.How much we miss our lessons
2.How much we miss working with Rain
3.How much we like brushing Miste and will come out more just to be with her
4.How much we miss Raindance, Kathi, and Jeff and the whole experience
5.Rain does not spook when my cell phone goes off while I am riding her Thank God!!!!!
6.That Kathi knows us well and knows how to calm our fears and nervousness.
7.What a good feeling it is to ride home after a lesson with a person who shared the same adventurous experience that you had.

Happy Easter!! Sweet Rain. I thought about you a lot since I read Stacy's post on your birth and the rainbow.

Rainbow dreams!!




It will be the little things that you will remember,
The quiet moments, the smiles, the laughter, and
Although it may seem hard right now, it will be the memories
Of these little things that help to push away the
pain and bring the smiles back again.

Rain, Grama Carole misses you. you hold a very special place in my heart

Http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/can ... ng&GI=Rain


June 25, 2001 - March 18, 2009



She's My Kind of Rain

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVQwx9_L7bM

Rain, you gave Grama Carole so many priceless moments and from what I have heard, I gave you some priceless moments too. You are always close in my heart. Thank you for being so patient with me. I miss you, you will never be forgotten. You will always be a Dance in the Rain to so many who loved you.

Thinking of Jeff today. Lit a candle for you Rain.

so true Polly

Thinking of Rain and Jeff today, they say time heals all wounds but it never lets you forget those beloved fur babies that we have loved and lost. Rest in peace beautiful Rain;

Bridge Called Love

It takes us back to brighter years,
to happier sunlit days
and to precious moments
that will be with us always.

And these fond recollections
are treasured in the heart
to bring us always close to those
from whom we had to part.

There is a bridge of memories
from earth to Heaven above...
It keeps our dear ones near us
It's the bridge that we call love.


hugs to you Jeff
joyce