A tough call, but today I decided to officially retire Tinni, now age 32. A tough call because I want him to feel a sense of purpose. Without a sense of purpose, he might very well decide it’s his time to go.

My decision was based upon the fact that he’s gotten a bit skittish when on walks; therefore, it is not safe to have him be a lesson horse. I know that the past few days he saw a ghost on the right-hand side of the road. I also felt that ghost’s presence. I speculated that it may have been someone Tinni knew in Iceland, but he would not say.

Trillium riding Tinni in 2013

Today I stepped in an iced-over puddle on the upper road, and it made a crackly sound. Tinni about jumped out of his skin. Shadow was on his back. Luckily, she stayed put. Ghost or no ghost, he just is not a reliable riding horse, particularly for a child’s first lesson.

The mares who are all in their prime and very well behaved can be used as lesson horses. I, of course, will still be taking Tinni for daily walks, of course with Shadow on his back. And he will continue to be the first horse out on the hitching post when it comes time for daily grooming. I will also ride Raudi and pony Tinni.

I would consider acupuncture and chiropractic work if we lived in the Lower 48. Here, it’s just not feasible. There are few practitioners here, and they are quite expensive. And because they are few in number, they have little competition. But then again – perhaps I will make a few calls and see what I find out. Yes, I am going to do this. As it is, he has shoes on because he has flat soles, and his feet are sensitive when he walks on the hard packed dirt road.

We got Tinni when he was 19. He then seemed to have a lot of kid miles on him, and in this respect, he seemed old to me. In contrast, Raudi is 18 now, and she’s in her prime. The difference in his and her respective make-up is due to genetics and environment.

I’ve had a number of horsey acquaintances tell me that their horses were old in their early twenties. I then thought to myself, well, these horses weren’t exercised every single day.

I do not think that Tinni is in the twilight of his years. This is what made my decision difficult. Quite often I am tempted to just hop on his back and take off on a lengthy trail ride. But then I tell myself that this might do him more harm than good.

I am so fortunate to own such a wonderful horse. All along, he has taught me many things, including how to sit a very bumpy canter. Now he is teaching me to pay close attention to another’s needs, and act accordingly. I just hope that I remain up the task.

Next: 296. 10/26/21: The March of the Molars